Bringing Saitama’s appeal to all of Japan. “Saitama Tsunagari Support” launches October 1! Connecting people and communities through the web and social media
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般社団法人つながり応援, in which 株式会社ファーストイノベーション is participating, will launch “Saitama Tsunagari Support,” a web and social media campaign showcasing the appeal of Saitama Prefecture across Japan, on October 1, 2026. Ambassadors and sponsoring companies will share content about tourism, food, culture, and more through X, Instagram, and other platforms, building a regional promotion model rooted in connections between people.
Facts
We are pleased to announce that “Saitama Tsunagari Support” launched on Thursday, October 1, 2026
“Aichi Tsunagari Support” was held from May 1 to July 31, 2026
【Full color and easy to solve!】“おとなの脳活まちがいさがしmini vol.10” goes on sale 10/5
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社大洋図書 will release the brain-training puzzle magazine “おとなの脳活まちがいさがしmini vol.10” on 2026年10月5日. The full-color publication is A5 size and 132 pages, with 80 puzzles in total, including spot-the-difference, coloring, connect-the-dots and mazes. The list price is 660 yen (tax included). It also features a reminder about eye health (アイフレイル), in connection with “目の愛護デー” on 10月10日.
【Reliable 67W power】A 1m USB cable is neatly built in. A retractable fast charger that means you’ll never forget to bring a cable. Supports USB PD/PPS. Now on sale at Amazon | 株式会社メイカーズ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社メイカーズ has launched the retractable fast charger “SOLIDZ Power Charger Model IS,” featuring a built-in USB-C cable, from its “SOLIDZ（ソリッズ）” brand on Amazon.co.jp. It delivers up to 67W, has a 1m cable and is priced at 6,980 yen including tax. A 15% OFF coupon is also available to mark the launch.
AI answers initial inquiries from general affairs, HR and IT departments via internal extension. ContactX announces AI extension service “ContactX Desk”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社X-HACK has added “ContactX Desk,” an AI-powered internal extension service for employee inquiries, to the ContactX product lineup. The AI takes calls from employees with questions for departments such as general affairs, HR and IT, and provides guidance based on internal FAQs and procedures. Inquiries requiring a staff member’s judgment are routed to the relevant department or accepted for a callback.
オハヨー乳業株式会社 has announced that it will refresh the brand tagline for its premium ice cream brand “BRULEE（ブリュレ）” to “パリッと、今日をほどいてく。” Along with a redesign of the brand website and terrestrial TV commercials beginning 2026年10月19日, sales will roll out from 2026年10月5日 at mass retailers, drugstores and other outlets nationwide.
Facts
Terrestrial TV commercials and other ads will air in some regions beginning 2026年10月19日（月）
Sales will begin rolling out at mass retailers, drugstores and other outlets nationwide※ from 2026年10月5日（月）
【Held on 10/17（土）】Children enter a world of stories while adults head to the sauna. “Autumn Reading” storytime and aufguss event at おふろcafé かりんの湯
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
おふろcafé かりんの湯, a bathing facility at the farm resort 農園リゾートTHE FARM operated by 株式会社ザファーム, will hold an “Autumn Reading” storytime and aufguss event on 2026年10月17日（土）. Storytime will be held in the kids’ area to coincide with the aufguss sessions at 16:00 and 20:00, giving children a chance to enjoy stories while their parents relax in the sauna. Admission to the event is free (facility admission charged separately).
Facts
Original日時：2026年10月17日(土)16:00／20:00
Address: 1-1 Nishitabé, Katori, Chiba
Head office: 1309-29 Nishitabé, Katori, Chiba
Natural hot spring water drawn from 1,500m underground
4 types in total, including a mixed-gender sauna and a barrel sauna
The facility has 1万 manga and magazines
Founded: May 26, 2016
Inducted into the hall of fame after winning an award 6 consecutive years at the Outdoor Innovation Summit
Turn memories of the two of you into trading cards for “いい夫婦の日” on November 22. 『推写フレーム』adds 3 anniversary designs
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社サムライソード has added 3 new designs (“Ring × 1122,” “Past × Present” and “Anniversary”) for “いい夫婦の日” on November 22 to 『推写フレーム』, an original trading card printing service available at approximately 63,000 convenience stores nationwide. The “いい夫婦の日” print gift campaign will also run from 2026年10月1日 to 11月30日, with Amazon gift cards worth 1,000 yen to be awarded by lottery.
Facts
Available at approximately 63,000 convenience stores nationwide
Added 3 new designs
3 new designs for “いい夫婦の日” on November 22
Win an Amazon gift card worth 1,000 yen in a prize draw
The campaign runs from 2026年10月1日（木） through 11月30日（月）
ロエベ presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at the Château de Vincennes in eastern Paris on 2027年10月2日（金）. Guests from across industries included brand ambassador Masaki Okada, Song Kang, Lara and Megan of KATSEYE, Wang Yibo, Kim Hee-ae, Tay Tawan, Baifern Pimchanok and director Tim Burton.
Facts
On October 2（金）, ロエベ presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at a specially constructed venue in the courtyard of the expansive Château de Vincennes in eastern Paris.
ロエベ presented its Spring/Summer 2027 collection at a specially constructed venue in the courtyard of the expansive Château de Vincennes in eastern Paris.
【Neo Nice Burger】, making its Kansai debut, and 【I’m donut？】, opening its second Kyoto location, to launch simultaneously in Kyoto’s Teramachi district on October 6(火)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社peace put will open the Kansai region’s first hand-crafted burger shop, “Neo Nice Burger,” and its second raw-doughnut specialty shop in Kyoto, “I'm donut？,” simultaneously in Teramachi, Kyoto, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The lineup will include 4 burgers exclusive to Kyoto Teramachi and approximately 40 varieties of raw doughnuts, including 2 varieties made with “moist dough,” a first for I'm donut？. A 50% off campaign on all menu items will run for the first 4 days after opening.
Facts
They will open simultaneously in Teramachi, Kyoto, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
“Fish Fry Burger with Shibazuke Tartar Sauce” 550 yen
“Kyoto Vegetables and Miso Teriyaki Burger” 680 yen
“Kyoto Turnip Gratin Burger” 680 yen
“Sansho Beef Sukiyaki Burger” 900 yen
“Moist Doughnut with Wasanbon Sugar” 313 yen
“Moist Doughnut with Mitarashi Glaze” 367 yen
Variety Cup with Honey Cheese Dip 594 yen
Creamy Jewelry 518 yen
A special sale will offer all menu items at 50% off.
Original2026年10月6日（火）から10月9日（金）までの4日間
A total of more than 150 dine-in seats will be available across both floors.
BUSINESS HOURS: 11:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Currently operates 13 locations in Japan
Operates 4 locations in Japan
The lineup will feature approximately 40 varieties of raw doughnuts.
More than 20 types of drinks will be available.
Dough made with 150% hydration.
Limit of 2 hamburgers per customer (including sets)
Shiga Prefecture ranks No. 1 for “skin concern index” nationwide — a “map of skin concerns” revealed by a survey of 1万9千 people across 47 prefectures
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社LATRICO, operator of 東京美肌堂, an online medical consultation service for skin health, conducted its “2026 Survey on Attitudes Toward Skin Concerns” among 19,219 men and women aged 20–69 across all 47 prefectures, timed to coincide with “Question Your Skin Day” on October 8. The company calculated a “skin concern index” based on 25 items across 5 areas: dryness, spots, acne, wrinkles and dullness. The national average was 41.1 points, with Shiga Prefecture highest at 44.1 points, followed by Tochigi Prefecture at 44.0 points. The index peaked among people in their 40s at 43.3 points, and the score for women (47.7 points) was 13.2 points higher than that for men (34.5 points). Some 43.5% said they had skin concerns but were not doing anything in particular about them. The most common reason for hesitating to consult a medical institution was “concern about the cost” (48.0%).
Facts
Based on a survey of 19,219 men and women aged 20–69 across all 47 prefectures
The national average was 41.1 points
Among prefectures, Shiga Prefecture had the highest score at 44.1 points
Tochigi Prefecture followed at 44.0 points
Skin concerns peak among people in their 40s … peaking at 43.3 points among those in their 40s
The index for women (47.7 points) was higher than that for men (34.5 points)
The index for women (47.7 points) was 13.2 points higher than that for men (34.5 points)
Nationwide, 25.6% of people feel that “the climate where I live affects my skin”
Okinawa Prefecture had the highest share at 36.0%
Over-the-counter cosmetics and skincare products (67.0%)
The national “skin care index” was 28.0 points
Fukui Prefecture ranked highest at 31.1 points
The most common reason for hesitating to consult a medical institution was “concern about the cost” (48.0%)
Live broadcast of the “Ｓｋｙ Ladies ABC Cup,” specially sponsored by Ｓｋｙ株式会社, on YouTube™
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The JLPGA Step-Up Tour’s “Ｓｋｙ Ladies ABC Cup,” specially sponsored by Ｓｋｙ株式会社 and held over 4 days from October 6–9, 2026, will be livestreamed on the official Ｓｋｙ株式会社 YouTube channel, with an archived broadcast also planned on a dedicated webpage, it has been announced.
Taste matcha like wine: MAME-TO-CHA launches a new experience to help customers find “their cup” from 3 grades of organic matcha
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The matcha brand “MAME-TO-CHA,” operated by 株式会社豆と茶, will launch “Find Your Matcha.,” a tasting experience featuring 3 grades of organic matcha—PREMIUM, CEREMONIAL and IMPERIAL—grown at its own farm in Fuji, starting October 10, 2026, at MAME-TO-CHA Kamakura. Like a winery tasting, visitors can compare the 3 grades, choose their preferred matcha and take home a customized drink prepared in front of them, along with an original “MY MATCHA CARD.” The experience takes approximately 30 minutes and costs from 3000 yen.
Facts
Taste and compare 3 grades: PREMIUM / CEREMONIAL / IMPERIAL
セレイドセラピューティクス株式会社 completed the 2nd Close of its Series B funding round, raising ¥400 million with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. and Teikoku Ventures joining as new investors. This brings total funding, including AMED grants, to ¥3.42 billion. The funds will be used to develop CLD-001, a novel ex vivo expanded hematopoietic stem cell therapy for severe pediatric blood and immune disorders, toward a U.S. IND application and the start of clinical trials.
Facts
Raised a total of ¥400 million
Total funding, including grants and other support, reached ¥3.42 billion
Completed the 2nd Close of the Series B funding round
Received approval for Stage 3 funding
Passed the 2nd stage-gate review under the Drug Discovery Venture Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Nationwide consultations now accepted on selling inherited forestland and wasteland; 家が欲しい.com launches dedicated website
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社家がほしい (Naka Ward, Hiroshima City; Representative Director: 功 佐々木) has launched a dedicated consultation website for selling inherited forestland and wasteland. It accepts consultations from across Japan, and free consultations and valuations are available even when registration, ownership details or boundaries are unclear. The service centers on direct purchases and also provides referrals to specialists such as attorneys and judicial scriveners.
Facts
Established: November 12, 2021
Capital: ¥3 million
Real estate brokerage license: Hiroshima Prefectural Governor (1) No. 11457
Jewelry brand AbHerï（アベリ） is launching its 2026 holiday collection, “Partita,” inspired by Bach’s works for solo violin. The 1st collection will be released on Oct. 15, 2026, followed by the 2nd collection on Nov. 6. The pieces express the memories of music performed at concerts by violinist 柳原史佳 as delicate forms imbued with light.
Facts
Partita 1st Collection［1562A/B/C］ On sale Oct. 15, 2026
Partita 2nd Collection［1560A・1561A/B］ On sale Nov. 6, 2026
Pt Emerald & Diamond Ring ¥484,000 ※Limited-edition model / K18ch Diamond Ring ¥495,000 / Pt Diamond Ring ¥484,000
Pt Ring (unisex) ¥308,000 / K18ch Diamond Ring ¥330,000 / Pt Diamond Ring ¥330,000
Tel: 090-6112-1211 Mail: n@redpr.jp
Companies mentioned：株式会社AbHerï、AbHerï（アベリ）、RED PR inc.
Ak iya Free School “Tane” to open in Yachimata in October 2026! Aiming to address 3 social issues: vacant-home revitalization, support for school non-attendance and Japanese-language education
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
オハナホーム株式会社 and 一般社団法人空き家再生協会 will open the Ak iya Free School “Tane” in Yachimata, Chiba Prefecture, in October 2026. The initiative aims to address 3 social issues: vacant-home revitalization, support for students who do not attend school, and Japanese-language education. Chiba Mode Business College, operated by the Takizawa Gakuen educational corporation, is collaborating on the project, which is based on EQ education and choice theory psychology. A crowdfunding campaign is also underway on CAMPFIRE (target: ¥1 million; 57.7% funded).
Facts
There are 353,970 elementary and junior high school students who are not attending school, equivalent to 3.86% of enrolled students.
Survey on AI use in construction: nearly half say they “do not use AI” or “are not sure”; high hopes for specialized AI tools for tasks such as estimates and input checks
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アイピア surveyed AI use and attitudes in the construction industry. In a web survey of 834 construction workers, about half (48.1%) said they use or are considering using AI, while 51.9% said they “do not use it” or “are not sure.” The most common use was “writing documents and emails” (31.6%), while the leading reported benefit was “reduced work time” (33.5%). The most common challenge was a “lack of skilled personnel and knowledge” (32.1%). A total of 42.3% were positive about using AI in the future, with strong interest in AI functions directly relevant to construction work, such as “estimates and pricing proposals” and “flagging missing or incorrect entries.”
Facts
The results showed that 48.1% use or are considering using AI in some way.
“Not using AI at present” accounted for 38.4%, while “not sure about AI” accounted for 13.5%, bringing the total to 51.9%.
The largest share, 31.6% of all respondents, selected “writing documents and emails.”
The largest share, 33.5% of all respondents, selected “reduced work time.”
A further 42.6% said they “have not noticed any particular benefits.”
The largest share, 32.1% of all respondents, said there was a “lack of personnel and knowledge to use AI.”
A total of 42.3% gave positive responses about using AI.
“Estimates and pricing proposals based on past projects and estimate data” ranked first at 26.9%.
“Checking entries and flagging missing or incorrect input” (25.5%)
Valid respondents: 834
Survey date: Sept. 18, 2026
In July 2026, the company released a beta version of its “AI Estimate OCR” feature, which uses AI to analyze PDF estimates received from subcontractors and automatically map the data to the Aipia estimate format.
AI multilingual communications platform “prism OKAMI Edition” for the lodging and tourism industries opens registration applications for referral partners
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社リボルバー opened registration applications for its referral partner program for “prism OKAMI Edition,” an AI multilingual communications platform for the lodging and tourism industries, on Oct. 5, 2026, ahead of its official launch on Dec. 8, 2026. The standard referral fee is 40% of the first-year subscription fee, rising to 50% throughout the launch period ending March 31, 2027. The program primarily targets approximately 93,000 inns, hotels and other lodging facilities nationwide, and seeks partners from a wide range of sectors, including web production companies, systems companies, consultants and tourism associations.
Facts
Today, Oct. 5, the company announced its “Referral Partner Program” for the AI multilingual communications service “prism OKAMI Edition” and began accepting registration applications.
Ahead of the official launch on Dec. 8, 2026
The referral fee during the launch period will be 50% of the first-year subscription fee
When a facility introduced by a company, organization or sole proprietor registered as a “prism Referral Partner” signs a contract, the partner will receive a referral fee equal to 40% of the first-year subscription fee.
A service that generates and publishes independent web pages in up to 30 languages
The program primarily targets approximately 93,000 inns, hotels and simple lodging facilities nationwide※
Lister publishes “Japan-U.S.-China Physical AI Industry Comparison Report 2026,” analyzing the technological fields and industrial structures of physical AI companies in Japan, the U.S. and China - 株式会社Lister
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Lister has published the “Japan-U.S.-China Physical AI Industry Comparison Report 2026,” a comparative analysis of the technological fields and industrial structures of physical AI companies in Japan, the U.S. and China. It compares 669 Japanese companies, 142 U.S. companies and 180 Chinese companies across 6 common categories, and offers breakdowns of each country's robotics sector, AI and development infrastructure, and industrial composition in charts and a free PDF report. The report is intended as a basic resource for exploring potential customers and partners for a company's technology in the manufacturing sector and for considering business opportunities.
Facts
The comparison maps 669 Japanese companies, 142 U.S. companies and 180 Chinese companies to 6 common categories.
Companies in “Robotics and On-Site Automation” accounted for 318 companies, or 47.5%, in Japan; 68 companies, or 47.9%, in the U.S.; and 92 companies, or 51.1%, in China.
“Industrial, Collaborative and Factory Automation” accounted for 143 companies, or 21.4%, in Japan; 17 companies, or 12.0%, in the U.S.; and 31 companies, or 17.2%, in China.
“Humanoids and General-Purpose Robots” accounted for 6 companies, or 0.9%, in Japan; 12 companies, or 8.5%, in the U.S.; and 21 companies, or 11.7%, in China.
Companies in “Robot AI and Foundation Models” accounted for 26 companies, or 3.9%, in Japan; 13 companies, or 9.2%, in the U.S.; and 5 companies, or 2.8%, in China.
From 1,030 entries in data on Japanese company attributes, 896 companies and organizations identified as technology suppliers were selected
These include 182 entries for sensor and perception technology suppliers, 179 for systems integrators, 125 for robot and equipment manufacturers, and 97 for component and hardware suppliers.
The main categories among the 142 U.S. companies include 19 drone and autonomous aircraft companies, 17 industrial and collaborative robot companies, 17 logistics and autonomous mobile robot companies, and 15 quadruped and specialized robot companies.
Japan and the U.S.: September 2026; China: July 2026
HRbase launches MCP integration for its labor affairs AI agent, making expert labor knowledge available through Claude
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社HRbase began offering MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration for its labor affairs AI agents “HRbase PRO” and “HRbase” on October 5, 2026. As a first step, users can handle labor affairs tasks through Anthropic's AI “Claude,” consulting HRbase's latest legal information, labor and social security attorney expertise, and supporting materials.
Facts
MCP integration became available on October 5, 2026
MCP integration is available at no additional cost with all plans for HRbase PRO and HRbase
Celebrating the start of the B.LEAGUE 2026-27 season: VRTX supports training as an official partner of 千葉ジェッツ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
VRTX, a fitness band developed by 株式会社Japan Insider, has become an official partner of 千葉ジェッツ, a men's professional basketball team in B.LEAGUE, for the 2026-27 season. It will support the players' training and publish trainer interviews and how-to video content.
Facts
Cumulative sales have surpassed 200,000 units
It is currently available in more than 8 countries worldwide, including Japan
Cumulative sales have exceeded 200,000 units
Three consecutive Emperor's Cup titles (2017–2019)
[Increasingly important in the AI era] Centou, Japan's first insight management cloud, shares the case study of fast-growing startup ラフール
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社alma has published a case study on how ラフール, a leading company in the mental data technology® business, uses “Centou,” Japan's first insight management cloud. ラフール introduced Centou to “speed up the entire process” in the AI era, using it to create a new-business prototype and move toward commercialization.
Facts
株式会社alma developed and provides “Centou,” Japan's first (※1) insight management cloud
株式会社ラフール is a leading company in the mental data technology® business
ラフール recognized the need in the AI era to “speed up the entire process,” not just implementation such as feature development, and began working on insight management
ラフール recognized the limits of approaches focused on individuals and found that an “approach at the organizational and operational level” was essential
ラフール used Centou to accumulate insights and create a prototype for a new business, helping advance it toward commercialization
Companies using Centou have reported results including fewer unused features being developed, a ¥3 million monthly reduction in development costs, 2 times sales growth, launching a new business in 3 months, and 5 times greater analysis efficiency
サードプラネット and Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, sign city promotion agreement; announcement of hometown support project “Furusato Yamaguchi Gurun Gurun Story”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社サードプラネット, headquartered in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture, signed an “Agreement on City Promotion” with Hikari City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, on October 13, 2026, and will launch the 7th installment of its hometown support project, “Furusato Yamaguchi Gurun Gurun Story.” A signing ceremony was held at city hall, and the parties will collaborate in 5 areas.
Facts
The agreement launches the 7th installment of “Furusato Yamaguchi Gurun Gurun Story.”
The signing ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:30 in the Disaster Response Headquarters Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of the Disaster Prevention Building at Hikari City Hall.
Attendees at the signing ceremony include Hikari Mayor 芳岡統, サードプラネット Chairman and Representative Director 児玉篤, Managing Director 石井亮一, and 株式会社東映コミュニケーションズ Executive Officer 白倉勉.
“Furusato Yamaguchi Gurun Gurun Story” began with the signing of an agreement with Kudamatsu City on December 15, 2025.
Atsushi Kodama, chairman and representative director of サードプラネット, is from Yamaguchi Prefecture. The company was founded in Yamaguchi and expanded nationwide.
株式会社サードプラネット is headquartered in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Starting at ¥10,000 per month, with no limits on the number of learners or data traffic. External-facing LMS “UIshare” announces new pricing plans and 5 new features supporting delivery to customers and members.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ユイコモンズ announced that it has revamped its video-learning platform “UIshare” as an external-facing LMS and will begin offering new plans starting at ¥10,000 per month on October 5, 2026. All plans will have no limits on the number of users, simultaneous connections or data traffic. The company will also roll out 5 new features to support delivery and sales to external customers and members.
Facts
A new Starter Plan priced at ¥10,000 per month, before tax, has been added.
Management across 5 organizational tiers × 3 permission tiers
Has operated its own learning platform, GoGetterz, since 2015
New pricing plans will be available starting October 5, 2026.
New pricing plans are available to new contracts signed on or after October 1, 2026.
An autumn treat! CHABAR’s rich “Osatsu” series arrives for a limited time! Choose from 2 flavors: brown sugar milk or milk tea.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CHABAR will launch its autumn-only “Osatsu” drink series on October 9, 2026. The 2 varieties, “Osatsu Brown Sugar Milk” and “Osatsu Milk Tea,” are made with a rich, sticky sweet potato paste. A limited-time “Osatsu Tapioca” topping will also be offered. The drinks will be available at all CHABAR locations except the Seibu Shinjuku Pepe store.
Facts
Sales period: October 9, 2026 (Friday) to late November (while supplies last)
Honshu: M ¥580 (tax included), L ¥680 (tax included)
Okinawa: M ¥600 (tax included), L ¥700 (tax included)
Honshu: M ¥540 (tax included), L ¥640 (tax included)
Okinawa: M ¥560 (tax included), L ¥660 (tax included)
Operates 17 locations, primarily in the Kanto region
“コノベル,” a cloud service for child development support and after-school day services, substantially revamps its feature that uses AI to help create individualized support plans.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
VISH株式会社 will launch a major overhaul of the “Individual Support Plan” feature in “コノベル,” its cloud service for child development support and after-school day services, which uses AI to help create individualized support plans. The revamped feature will be available starting October 5, 2026. AI will help draft plans based on daily records and assessments, while the service will also integrate proposed monitoring evaluations, proposed assessment updates, support for creating specialized support plans, and confirmation of parents’ wishes and digital signatures through the parent app. To mark the release, the company will also run a campaign offering the service free of charge for up to 6 months, from October 5, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Facts
The service will be available starting October 5, 2026 (Monday).
A campaign will provide eligible establishments with free access to the AI features for up to 6 months.
As of October 1, 2026, the service has helped reduce the administrative burden at approximately 1,300 or more facilities providing rehabilitation and support for children with disabilities, excluding those that have canceled or closed.
When asked about challenges to improving service quality, 41.2% of establishments said they had “a large volume of administrative work.”
In a survey that received responses from 4,945 after-school day service establishments nationwide
Support that clearly links to the 5 areas of “health and daily living,” “motor skills and sensory functions,” “cognition and behavior,” “language and communication,” and “interpersonal relationships and social skills” has become necessary.
Original厚生労働省：令和元年度 放課後等デイサービスの実態把握及び質に関する調査研究
Under the 2024 revision of reimbursement rates for disability welfare services and other services
[Hankyu Umeda British Fair 2026] LAUNER LONDON, a handbag brand holding a Royal Warrant, to exhibit. New “QE II” model marks the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
LAUNER LONDON（ロウナー ロンドン）, a handbag brand holding a Royal Warrant, will exhibit at the “British Fair 2026” at 阪急うめだ本店. The brand will take orders for its new “QE II” series, created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, and showcase leather goods including signature designs “Eleanor” and “Traviata.”
Facts
First half: October 7 (Wednesday) to 12 (Monday, holiday)
Second half: October 14 (Wednesday) to 19 (Monday)
“QE II,” a model celebrating the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
A handbag brand designated as a Royal Warrant holder in the 1960s
The 2011 wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales (Prince William and Catherine)
PART 1: Closes at 5 p.m. on the final day, the 12th (Monday, holiday)
阪急うめだ本店, 9th floor, event hall and festival square
Ralph Lauren presents the Women’s Polo Spring 2027 collection in Paris.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ralph Lauren presented the Women’s Polo Spring 2027 collection in Paris. Inspired by a spirit of discovery and travel, the collection explores eclectic, refined styles featuring sculptural layering, vivid colors and rich textures. It also showcases handmade jewelry by Piki Wadsworth, who has Navajo (Diné) and Hopi heritage.
Online seminar for companies preparing for an IPO, featuring a certified public accountant, to be held on 10/22 (Thursday)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社オロ and 株式会社コロケット announced that they will hold a free online seminar via Zoom for companies preparing for an IPO on October 22, 2026 (Thursday). Titled “Learn with a Certified Public Accountant | Practical Issues in Job Costing to Address After a Short Review: For Companies Preparing for an IPO,” the seminar will offer practical guidance on connecting job costing in project-based businesses with accounting judgments, management control and internal controls. Two certified public accountants, Toru Shiotsuki and Tomonao Kobayashi, will explain the topics using specific examples.
Facts
Original2026年10月22日(木)13:00～14:00にオンライン（Zoom配信）にて
Adopted by more than 1,100 companies to date
Two certified public accountants from コロケット will speak.
Borderless Japan × Matsumoto City opens applications for the “Borderless Local Academy in Matsumoto Alps Area,” which develops business solutions to regional challenges in the Azumi and Nagawa districts.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Borderless Japan has been selected to operate “Borderless Local Academy in Matsumoto Alps Area,” a startup-support program hosted by Matsumoto City. Applications will open on October 5, 2026, for a program that develops people who can address regional challenges in the Azumi and Nagawa districts through social business.
Facts
株式会社ボーダレス・ジャパン has been selected to operate a startup and new-business launch support program hosted by Matsumoto City.
Applications for “Borderless Local Academy in Matsumoto Alps Area” will open on October 5, 2026 (Monday).
The program runs for 3 months, from November 8, 2026 (Sunday), to February 13, 2027 (Saturday), and comprises 9 sessions.
This project will be carried out as part of Matsumoto City’s Reiwa 8 fiscal-year “Hometown Entrepreneur Support Program,” commissioned by the city.
Sandoria and APA Hotel collaborate for the first time: “APA President’s Curry Rich and Savory Katsu Curry Sandwich” to go on sale for a limited time starting October 6, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
APA Hotel and Sandoria Sapporo will launch their first collaborative product, the “APA President’s Curry Rich and Savory Katsu Curry Sandwich,” for a limited time at 2 locations in Sapporo starting October 6, 2026. The price is 450 yen per sandwich.
Facts
アパホテル株式会社 and 株式会社サンドリア札幌 will collaborate for the first time
The “APA President’s Curry Rich and Savory Katsu Curry Sandwich” will go on sale for a limited time starting October 6, 2026 (Tue.)
Original販売価格は1個450円(税込)
The sale period runs from October 6, 2026 (Tue.) to around the end of December 2026
Available at Sandoria Main Store and Sandoria Tonden Store
Sandwich Workshop Sandoria was founded in Sapporo in 1978
At a tasting after the APA President’s Curry announcement event on March 24, 2011, 99.3% of respondents said it was “delicious”
APA President’s Curry reached cumulative sales of 15 million servings in April 2026
アパグループ operates 367 hotels with 86,190 rooms under its domestic brands and 56 hotels with 5,719 rooms overseas
アパグループ aims to have 100,000 rooms under its domestic brands alone by the end of March 2031
【Hokkaido exclusive】A dish that lets you savor Hokkaido’s “ankake culture”: “Aromatic Ankake Yakisoba with Shrimp” revamped with more sauce and toppings!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セブン‐イレブン・ジャパン will successively revamp its Hokkaido-exclusive “Aromatic Ankake Yakisoba with Shrimp” and “Mini Aromatic Ankake Yakisoba” starting October 8 (Thu.). The products will feature more sauce, charred noodles and larger shrimp, offering a dish to enjoy Hokkaido’s “ankake culture.”
Facts
Price: 628 (678.24 including tax)
Price: 420 (453.60 including tax)
On sale from Oct. 8 (Thu.), with a phased rollout
※ Tax-inclusive prices are calculated using the 8% consumption tax rate for reduced-tax-rate items.
Live demonstration of drone surveying and data analysis using DJI Matrice 4E and Smart Construction Edge2. Free seminar to be held in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, on October 21 (Wed.)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セキド announced that the “DJI Matrice 4E / Smart Construction Edge2 Introduction and Demonstration Seminar,” hosted by 株式会社ホバリング and co-hosted by 株式会社アイティエス, will be held in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, on October 21, 2026 (Wed.). The seminar will demonstrate the process from UAV photogrammetry to data analysis using the compact industrial drone for photogrammetry, DJI Matrice 4E, and the field data processing device Smart Construction Edge2. It will offer construction, civil engineering and surveying companies an opportunity to introduce in-house surveying and ICT. Participation is free, limited to the first 20 people, and requires advance registration.
Facts
Date: October 21, 2026 (Wed.)
Time: 13:00–16:00 (registration from 12:30)
Capacity: 20 people (registration closes when capacity is reached)
Participation fee: Free
48-3 Minari, Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture
Has a track record of doing business with more than 45,000 companies and government agencies in Japan
セキド has held more than 1,950 seminars and events of various kinds nationwide to date
A total of more than 21,000 customers have taken part
100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh’s literary debut! All 100 mascot designs featuring Pooh and his friends from the 100 Acre Wood arrive at モーリーファンタジー and PALO starting October 9 (Fri.)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社イオンファンタジー will mark the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh’s literary debut with the release of all 100 mascot designs featuring Pooh and his friends from the 100 Acre Wood (50 designs each in vol. 1 and vol. 2). The mascots will roll out sequentially starting October 9, 2026 (Fri.) at amusement facilities including モーリーファンタジー and PALO, as well as the online crane game モーリーオンライン. Campaigns will also be held, including a limited-edition trading card giveaway with eligible prize plays and a social media campaign on the official X and Instagram accounts to win a “Winnie-the-Pooh Complete Prize Set.”
Facts
Mascots arrive in an impressive lineup of 100 designs
100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh’s literary debut: Mascots vol. 1, all 50 designs
100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh’s literary debut: Mascots vol. 2, all 50 designs
For every 500 yen spent at an eligible booth
Receive 1 randomly selected trading card
Approx. 10 cm high × 7 cm wide × 5 cm deep
Receive 500 MP in play points (equivalent to 500 yen)
Also receive 1 free-play ticket each day for 5 days after registering as a new member
Availability period: October 9, 2026 (Fri.) until supplies run out
Entry period: October 5, 2026 (Mon.) 17:30 to October 18 (Sun.) 23:59
100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh’s literary debut
【60 sessions, all free】Addressing challenges in hospital management and clinical settings. The latest case studies in generative AI, digital transformation and operational efficiency all in one place. Held for 3 days starting October 7 (Wed.)
“SwipeHome™,” an AI tool supporting real estate services for foreign customers, obtains a patent for its proprietary AI matching technology
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
スマイルホーム株式会社 announced that its AI matching technology, incorporated into “SwipeHome™ (Swipe Home),” an AI home-search service for foreign residents, was granted a patent (Patent No. 7900024) on July 27, 2026. The system uses AI to vectorize user and property information and recommends properties based on similarity. Its distinctive feature is that it reflects users’ preferences based on their responses. The service aims to reduce the workload of serving foreign customers.
mign launches “Smart AI Check,” incorporating expertise from a designated building certification and inspection body — CEO to speak at a seminar hosted by Bureau Veritas Japan and at Archi Future 2026 in October
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社mign will launch “Smart AI Check,” an AI checking service whose review incorporates the expertise of Bureau Veritas Japan (BVJ) as a designated building certification and inspection body, starting Sept. 1, 2026. CEO Masahiro 對間 will speak at an online seminar hosted by BVJ on Oct. 6 and at “Archi Future 2026,” to be held in Tokyo’s Ariake on Oct. 23.
Facts
“Smart AI Check” launched on Sept. 1, 2026.
Date and time: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, 16:00–17:00
Date and time: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 15:20–16:00
Capacity: 220 people
(The AI check report is generally provided within 2 business days after application documents are received.)
Age.3, the brand behind Japan’s original fried sandwiches, opens its first location in Thailand. “Age.3 BANGKOK” opens in Bangkok on Oct. 1
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ANCHOR’s Japan-born fried sandwich specialty shop “Age.3（アゲサン）” will open its first store in Thailand, “Age.3 BANGKOK,” on Oct. 1, 2026, on the G floor of the “Central Park” retail complex within the “Dusit Central Park” mixed-use development in Bangkok. The store is opening under a franchise agreement with Thai restaurant group MAGURO GROUP PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED and will offer 2 Bangkok-exclusive items: a fried sandwich inspired by “pad krapow” and “Thai tea matcha brûlée.”
Facts
On Oct. 1, 2026, the first “Age.3 BANGKOK” in Thailand opened on the G floor of the “Central Park” retail complex within the “Dusit Central Park” mixed-use development in Bangkok.
Address: 946 Rama IV Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Hours: Daily, 10:00–22:00 (last order at 21:00)
The brand currently operates 5 stores in Japan (Ginza, Kama, Asakusa, Harajuku and Hida-Takayama).
A new store is also scheduled to open in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Oct. 18, 2026.
Age.3 traces its origins to a sweets brand launched in Kama, Fukuoka Prefecture, in 2020
and is a Japan-born fried sandwich specialty shop that developed the “fried sandwich” in 2023.
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1994.
Began a culinary career in 2014 as a chef at Yamazato, the Japanese restaurant at ホテルオークラ東京
TEL: 0948-52-6361
TEL: 0577-57-5573
TEL: 070-1317-7334
TEL: 070-4310-4439
TEL: 03-6284-7136
TEL: 070-9236-1965
The shop offers 2 types of fried sandwiches inspired by Thai food culture.
Address: 15 Hang Khay Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Companies mentioned：株式会社ANCHOR、Age.3（アゲサン）、MAGURO GROUP PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED、ホテルオークラ東京、ホテルオークラ京都、ホテルオークラ福岡、FRUITS SAND THREE
160 yen per item: fleece-lined tights direct from a tights sewing factory in Yiwu, China. New fleece-lined pants for winter 2026 go on pre-sale starting Oct. 10. Early-bird discount: 3% OFF
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
義烏優豊株式会社（yuuto japan） announced that pre-orders for its new winter 2026 fleece-lined tights and pants, priced at 160 yen per item and sold direct from its sewing factory in Yiwu, China, will begin on Oct. 10. The 3% early-bird discount runs through Oct. 30. The company is seeking new business partners, drawing on its 20 years of experience in the Japanese market.
Take a walk around town with “architecture” as your theme. The former deputy editor-in-chief of Tokyojin carefully shares its appeal and highlights in the essay collection “Tokyo Architecture Walks: Solo,” on sale Oct. 7.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社大和書房 announced that it will release “Tokyo Architecture Walks: Solo—In Search of Buildings That Capture the Heart” (Daiwa Bunko), a new book by Nobuko Suzuki, former deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine Tokyojin, on Oct. 7, 2026. The third installment in the “Tokyo Solo Walks” series, it contains 13 essays about walks around Tokyo focused on architecture, including Western-style mansions, modern architecture and retro buildings.
Facts
“Tokyo Architecture Walks: Solo—In Search of Buildings That Capture the Heart” (written by Nobuko Suzuki) to be released on Oct. 7, 2026
Pages: 256
List price: ¥990 (tax included)
13 walking essays
Born in Tokyo in 1964.
Became deputy editor-in-chief in 1997
Left the company in 2010.
The third installment in the “Tokyo Solo Walks” series
Househusbands from the Reiwa era gather! Candid revelations about the realities of housework, childcare and finances! His wife’s business grows to monthly sales of about ¥50 million! Why did the husband, a househusband for 8 years, quit his job? | “Nananii Underground ABEMA” #136
Making “Kanzashi” a Japanese souvenir: かんざし屋wargo opens at Haneda Airport Garden
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The kanzashi specialty shop かんざし屋wargo opened at Haneda Airport Garden 2F on October 4, 2026. It offers more than 1,500 types of kanzashi as souvenirs that give international visitors a taste of Japanese culture.
Facts
More than 1,500 types of kanzashi are available
Opening date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: Haneda Airport Garden 2F
Hours: 10:00–21:00
Including an airport hotel with a total of 1,691 rooms
Orders open for trading Aure Glass acrylic cards and more from the anime “Date A Live V”! Available through AMNIBUS, which sells original anime and manga merchandise
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アルマビアンカ began accepting orders on September 29 (Tuesday) through its online store AMNIBUS for 8 original products from the anime “Date A Live V”: trading Aure Glass acrylic cards, glitter buttons, compact clear cards, hot-stamped cards, a clock, A6 acrylic panels, BIG acrylic stands, and 100 mm buttons. Prices range from ¥418 to ¥5,555 (tax included), with characters from all 12 types represented.
Facts
Orders for the products opened on September 29 (Tuesday).
Orders are now open for 8 products from the anime “Date A Live V.”
Types: all 12 types
Price: ¥748 each (tax included), ¥8,976 per box (tax included)
Price: ¥638 each (tax included), ¥7,656 per box (tax included)
Price: Single item ¥473 (tax included), box ¥5,676 (tax included)
Price: Single item ¥418 (tax included), box ¥5,016 (tax included)
Fall Italian buffet "La Dolce Vita" to be held at アトモス・イタリアンダイニング from Monday, October 5
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
アトモス・イタリアンダイニング, located on the 40th floor of コンラッド大阪, will hold a fall Italian buffet themed "La Dolce Vita" from Monday, October 5, 2026, through Sunday, December 13. Featuring regional dishes from across Italy, including Tuscany and Liguria, along with autumn flavors, the buffet will be served semi-buffet style on weekdays and full-buffet style on weekends and holidays.
Facts
From Monday, October 5, 2026, through Sunday, December 13
Orders now open for trading can badges, a motif-pattern tote bag and more from "Hinaringo with Hinata Sato and Minori Suzuki"! Available at AMNIBUS, which sells original anime and manga merchandise
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アルマビアンカ began accepting orders on Monday, September 28, for 4 products from "Hinaringo with Hinata Sato and Minori Suzuki" on its online store for original merchandise, AMNIBUS: trading can badges, a motif-pattern tote bag, a set of 2 chibi-character acrylic stands, and a die-cut sticker featuring the program logo.
Facts
Orders for the products opened on Monday, September 28.
Price: ¥500 each (tax included)
Box: ¥6,000 (tax included)
Types: all 12 types
Size: approx. 56 mm in diameter
Price: ¥3,000 (tax included)
Size: approximately 40 cm high × 48 cm wide × 15 cm deep at the base
Price: ¥1,500 each (tax included)
<Hinata Sato> Main body: approximately 70 × 42 mm; stand: approximately 42 mm in diameter; thickness: 3 mm. <Minori Suzuki> Main body: approximately 70 × 44 mm
Stand: approximately 42 mm in diameter
Thickness: 3mm
Price: ¥500 (tax included)
Size: approx. 70×60 mm
Orders for 4 products from "Hinaringo with Hinata Sato and Minori Suzuki" are now open at AMNIBUS.
[Co-op Deli] Launch of a project to boost member usage through AI and data utilization with UnityStep AI
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
コープデリ生活協同組合連合会 has launched a project with 株式会社UnityStep AI, a startup originating from the University of Tokyo's Matsuo Lab, to enhance marketing through AI and data utilization and encourage members to use its food delivery service, Co-op Deli Delivery. The project will analyze the relationship between usage immediately after enrollment and continued use, using purchase data, and will comprehensively advance the planning and verification of measures as well as personnel development.
Facts
Member cooperatives: 6 co-ops in the Kanto and Shinetsu regions.
Autumn flavors from Ibaraki brought to you by a representative who raised 2 daughters as a single mother: Tsukuba city's つくばsweets to hold the "Kasama Chestnut Fair" for the first time starting October 5, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
つくばsweets, a confectionery shop in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, represented by Yukiko Sakurai, announced that it will hold the "Kasama Chestnut Fair" for the first time starting October 5, 2026. Its website will also be completely revamped on the same day, and 3 baked sweets made with 100% Kasama chestnuts will be offered (¥420, ¥320, ¥320, excluding tax). The announcement also introduces the representative's background, including starting the business at age 40 while raising 2 daughters as a single mother, products certified by the Tsukuba Collection, and a commitment to local ingredients.
Facts
The "Kasama Chestnut Fair," a limited-time event featuring Kasama chestnuts, one of Ibaraki Prefecture's signature autumn flavors, will be held for the first time starting Monday, October 5, 2026.
Kasama Chestnut Butter Cheese Sandwich (made with 100% Kasama chestnuts) ¥420 (excluding tax)
Kasama Chestnut Kuri Boya (made with 100% Kasama chestnuts) ¥320 (excluding tax)
Kasama Chestnut Rice Flour Financier (made with 100% Kasama chestnuts) ¥320 (excluding tax)
Gluten-free cookies and cookies suitable for people with dairy or egg allergies are available from ¥300 (excluding tax).
Started a business at age 40 while supporting her household as a single mother raising 2 daughters
A single mother raising 2 daughters
Business hours: 10:00–18:00
Business hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Phone number: 029-828-8980
Phone number: 090-2488-1315
It started out as a franchise specializing in steamed buns, but became independent in 3 years
Yoshikazu Suzuki, Representative Director of 株式会社ウィズダムアカデミー, appointed Executive Partner of 株式会社SENZU
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yoshikazu Suzuki, Representative Director of 株式会社ウィズダムアカデミー, has been appointed Executive Partner of 株式会社SENZU. At the same time, SENZU has launched a new service, “Asset Utilization and Real Estate Strategy Support for Educational Corporations,” to transform the land and buildings owned by educational corporations into “assets that generate value.” The service will be offered in collaboration with Wisdom Academy.
Facts
Operates 36 private after-school facilities in the Greater Tokyo area, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya and Fukuoka, both directly and under contract.
Established May 31, 2010
Established September 1, 2025
Providing end-to-end support through 8 steps
Reassesses value from 3 perspectives: “Educational Value,” “Social Value” and “Economic Value”
Founded 株式会社オリジネーション in 2009 to provide business succession and M&A consulting.
October 9 is “Tenku Taicho Day.” Tenku Taicho, a supplement for days when you drink alcohol, goes on sale at 30% off, with giveaways for 20 people; applications for retailers also open
“Act Up 2.0,” a cloud app for agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, adds features to support physical AI
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アクト・ノード released Act Up 2.0, a production management app for agriculture, livestock and aquaculture, on October 5, 2026, adding support for physical AI. IoT connectivity with drive and control equipment is enabling automated equipment control at poultry farms. The system will be shown publicly for the first time at the Livestock Materials Expo from October 7 to 9.
Facts
株式会社アクト・ノード released Act Up 2.0 on October 5, 2026
Act Up 2.0 supports IoT connectivity with drive and control equipment, enabling users to connect and operate equipment such as ventilation curtains
2 new services, Act Connect and Act AI, will become available
Equipment such as ventilation curtains is being automatically controlled according to set rules in poultry houses used for commercial broiler production
At a poultry farm using Act Up 1.0, the work time for 1 lot (4 poultry houses, 22,000 birds) was reduced by approximately 20%
Camera AI estimates of chicken weight are in practical use, with an error rate of 3% or less
JOHN SMEDLEY 2026 Christmas limited-edition item launches Nov. 20 (Friday) | An iconic knitwear piece captures a warm and playful holiday season
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The long-established British knitwear brand JOHN SMEDLEY (ジョン スメドレー) will launch JINGLE (ジングル), a Christmas limited-edition knitwear piece, on Friday, November 20, 2026, as part of its 2026 holiday campaign. The warm design, themed around a beloved family dog, is made from 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool, comes in 3 colors and is priced at ¥81,400 (tax included). A Japan-exclusive leather charm created in collaboration with the long-established British leather goods brand ETTINGER (エティンガー) will also go on sale the same day.
Facts
The long-established British knitwear brand JOHN SMEDLEY (ジョン スメドレー), founded in 1784
The Christmas limited-edition knitwear piece JINGLE (ジングル) will go on sale from Friday, November 20, 2026.
Material: 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool
Available in 3 colors
Sizes: S / M / L (UNISEX)
Available in 4 colors
Its beautiful, lightweight fine-gauge knitwear has been highly regarded around the world for more than 240 years.
Free trial with a bonus: “Lego × Minecraft” programming class details revealed for the first time! Includes a 15 cm “sword you can paint your own way”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Pendemy, which provides STEAM education, has revealed for the first time the lesson plan for “A Minecraft Adventure with Lego Programming,” a free robotics programming trial at its Fuchu main school. The free sessions will be held in October and November and consist of 3 steps: building with Lego®, programming on a tablet and a treasure hunt. Participants will receive a 15 cm Minecraft sword made with a 3D printer.
Facts
株式会社Pendemy has revealed for the first time the detailed lesson plan for “A Minecraft Adventure with Lego Programming” at STEAM Academy Pendemy
The first step of the trial lesson is to build a Minecraft car using LEGO® bricks.
During the trial lesson, participants connect a tablet (iPad) to the car via Bluetooth and operate it using programming blocks.
All trial participants at the Fuchu Main School will receive a roughly 15cm 3D-printed “Minecraft sword”.
Free trial sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, will be held on Oct. 7, 18 and 21, and Nov. 1, 4, 15 and 18.
The representative director of 株式会社Pendemy is Hayato Kimura.
株式会社Pendemy is located on the 3rd floor of Max olé Fuchu, 3-4-10 Kotobuki-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo.
Popular since its launch! “Shirayuki Zarame-hime,” a rice cracker made with Niigata-grown Koshihikari rice, on sale exclusively in Niigata Prefecture and the official online shop from Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026.
Kuriyama Beika earns “Platinum Kurumin” and “Plus” certifications at the same time, promoting a workplace that supports balancing childcare, fertility treatment and work.
The contest, themed around the SDGs, brings together works remade by students from universities, fashion colleges and other schools, mainly in western Japan. The 2026 edition marked its 15th time.
A high-quality stay, even in the great outdoors without infrastructure. glampark and “AirElixir” announce plans to advance “fully off-grid dome accommodations.”
The main channel has 1.08 million subscribers (as of October 2026)
At the 68th All-Japan Wanko Soba Championship, she finished 307 bowls, setting a new competition record for the first time in 10 years and winning the title
Launched the YouTube channel “えびまよ【海老原まよい】” in February 2020
Placed 2nd in the world for 2 consecutive years at the U.S. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2023 and 2024
Established: March 22, 2013
JP Tower 18F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-7018
マルシェ株式会社 will hold an “All Things Sesame” fair at all 275 locations of the nationwide izakaya chain 八剣伝 starting Tuesday, October 6, 2026, featuring sesame products from Kyoto-based specialty sesame manufacturer 株式会社山田製油. The menu will feature 11 items, from skewers and hot pot to finishing dishes and desserts, using Yamada Seiyu’s first-pressed sesame oil, ground sesame and sesame paste. Each item will be priced from 220 yen to 1,199 yen, including tax.
Facts
At 八剣伝 locations nationwide starting Tuesday, October 6, 2026
[New Store] High-value purchasing service おたからや expands into “TAKAMATSU ORNE（高松オルネ）” in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture! “High-Value Purchase おたからや Takamatsu Orne Store” opens Monday, October 5, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん announced that it will open the “High-Value Purchase おたからや Takamatsu Orne Store” inside TAKAMATSU ORNE（高松オルネ） in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The company will bring its purchasing service, which operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide and has a 96.2% positive rating, to Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture.
Facts
The “High-Value Purchase おたからや Takamatsu Orne Store” will open at TAKAMATSU ORNE（高松オルネ） in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, on Monday, October 5, 2026
The company currently operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide (as of September 30, 2026)
Boasts a 96.2% positive rating on Google reviews
Parking: 166 spaces
Business hours: 10:00–19:00
Overseas-made gold bullion, 1kg: 30,002,000 yen
Accessories found at a family home (K18, 238.9 g): ¥5,368,400
Connecting research discovered through lab visits with encounters with companies
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ツクリエ’s researcher support desk for bringing research into practical use, “SEEDS LINK OSAKA・KANSAI,” launched the “SEEDS LIST” website on October 5, 2026, coinciding with the opening of Global Startup EXPO 2026. The site introduces research seeds from universities and research institutions in Kansai. The initiative has held 52 individual meetings with researchers and compiled 111 research seeds. On the same day, October 6, it will hold the official GSE side event “FROM LAB TO GLOBAL,” featuring 5 researchers from Kansai universities.
Facts
On October 5, 2026, coinciding with the opening of Global Startup EXPO 2026, we launched “SEEDS LIST,” a website introducing research seeds from universities and research institutions in Kansai.
A total of 52 individual meetings with researchers had been held by the end of fiscal 2025
A total of 111 research seeds have been compiled.
5 researchers from universities in Kansai will take the stage
The official Global Startup EXPO 2026 (GSE) side event “FROM LAB TO GLOBAL — Research Showcase & Short Pitch” will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
[Date and time] Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 11:20–12:30
Approximately 8,000 startup consultations annually
Around 900 events held
Since its launch in July 2025, SEEDS LINK has
In 2021, KSAC（関西スタートアップアカデミアコアリション） was launched to promote the commercialization of university technology seeds and entrepreneurship education
Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake emergency relief donations: approximately 160 million yen from more than 130,000 people
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
パルシステム生活協同組合連合会 announced that it received a total of 160,822,026 yen in emergency relief donations for areas affected by the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake, with a total of 133,100 users contributing. The funds will be allocated as 8 million yen in donations to 3 cities and 1 town in the affected area; 62.63 million yen to the Japanese Consumers’ Co-operative Union’s disaster relief fund; approximately 80.18 million yen in aid to 6 support and rescue organizations; and 10 million yen in relief payments to 10 producer and manufacturer organizations.
Facts
A total of 133,100 users contributed to the fund
A total of 160,822,026 yen was donated
8 million yen in donations for 3 cities and 1 town (Hikawa Town, Uki City, Uto City and Yatsushiro City)
62.63 million yen donated to the disaster relief fund of 日本生活協同組合連合会
Approximately 80.18 million yen in aid (including the actual cost of emergency relief supplies)
We will deliver 10 million yen in relief payments
For a total of 10 producer and manufacturer organizations
Celebrating the Central League title for the second consecutive year! 100 players, managers and coaches featured in Sanspo's original “猛虎百人一首二〇二六.” Buy it at the online shop “サンスポde通販”
株式会社講談社 announced that it will release a new picture book, “でもそんなことはおかまいなしにあげたてのコロッケをたべる。,” on November 5, 2026. The book is by the husband-and-wife illustration unit はらぺこめがね, recipients of the 小学館児童出版文化賞. Rather than focusing on gourmet food or food education, this croquette picture book centers on “eating as the power to live,” and is distinguished by the contrast between realistic depictions and fantasy.
Facts
On sale November 5, 2026
List price: 1,980 yen (base price 1,800 yen)
Original『山のフルコース』で第74回小学館児童出版文化賞を受賞（2025年）
More than ９割 of households with preschool-aged children struggle with their children's meals (HugKum総研／2026)
Published case studies on recovery efforts following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake【九州電気保安協会】
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般財団法人九州電気保安協会 has published a special website compiling case studies on recovery efforts following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake, which occurred on July 28, Reiwa 8. It outlines specific actions, including issuing an emergency response alert and mobilizing personnel immediately after the earthquake, as well as conducting completion inspections of air-conditioning equipment at evacuation centers.
Facts
一般財団法人九州電気保安協会 has published a special website compiling case studies on recovery efforts following the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake
The Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake occurred on July 28, Reiwa 8
An emergency response alert was issued immediately after the earthquake, and personnel were mobilized from headquarters and each branch
The special website introduces specific response examples, including completion inspections of air-conditioning equipment at evacuation centers
Reports from customers concerning accidents involving electrical equipment and other matters are accepted 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
The organization’s policy is to mobilize its full organization for a swift response when a large-scale disaster occurs
With the concept of “a new lager to suit Japanese tastes”! しまなみブルワリー in Onomichi, Hiroshima, launches “風としまなみ,” a craft beer made with 100% domestic ingredients
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社しまなみブルワリー (Onomichi, Hiroshima; President and Representative Director: 松岡風人) began selling its new lager “風としまなみ” on October 5, 2026. This pilsner is made with 100% Japanese ingredients, including “かいこがね” hops from Hokuto, Yamanashi, and domestically produced malt. It has an alcohol content of 4.5% and is conceived as a new craft lager to suit Japanese tastes.
Facts
Sales of the new lager “風としまなみ” began on October 5, 2026
It is made with 100% domestic ingredients
It also has a slightly lower-than-usual alcohol content of 4.5%
Volume: 370 ml
Best before: 6 months
Received the 2025 Good Design Award on October 15, 2025 (organized by 公益財団法人日本デザイン振興会)
Received COUNTRY WINNER (the top domestic award) for ２ consecutive years
株式会社しまなみブルワリー was established in December 2021
Brewing began in March 2023
Since 2015, has served as head brewer at the brewery
15 years of dedication to craft lager since then
Won top awards in 3 categories at the ワールド・ビア・アワード
Launch of “粗利ドック,” a new service that diagnoses, provides hands-on support and rebuilds businesses to improve profits at all small and medium-sized companies
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
T&Fアセットマネジメント株式会社 will begin offering “粗利ドック” to small, medium-sized and mid-tier companies on October 1, 2026. This new 3-step management consulting service diagnoses gross profit in 1 day, provides hands-on improvement support over 90 days, and helps embed improvements over 12 months. In response to declining gross profits caused by an inability to pass on price increases, the service will help make costs visible and support price negotiations in light of the amendments to the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions, which take effect in January 2026. A campaign offering a 50% discount on the 90-day sprint fee is also available to the first 10 companies.
Facts
“粗利ドック” to be offered starting October 1, 2026
99.7% of companies in Japan
Small and medium-sized enterprises support about 70% of the workforce
The rate at which companies were able to pass on price increases was 54.2%
The rate for raw material costs was 55.7%
For labor costs, the rate was just 50.0%
Companies able to pass on all cost increases accounted for 27.3%
Original年商3〜20億円・社員20〜80名規模
Limited release campaign for the first 10 companies
Offering the 90-day sprint at 50% off the monthly fee
¥600,000/month → ¥300,000/month
Gross profit margin fell from 21.9% to 17.0%, a decline of 4.9%.
A decline of 4.9%.
Aiming to recover 3% of that within 90 days
Operating profit will rise from ¥14.4 million to ¥38.4 million
That works out to 2.7 times.
On January 1, 2026, the Subcontract Act was amended and enforced as the Act on the Optimization of Transactions with Small and Medium-sized Entrusted Businesses (取適法).
株式会社クラダシ announced that it will hold the final joint presentations for “クラダシチャレンジ（クラチャレ）,” its social-impact internship program, and the pitch contest “クラチャレ ピッチアワード 2026” on Friday, October 30, at TIME SHARING 新橋駅前. Judges have been selected from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of the Environment, 積水ハウスホテルマネジメント, and others. A total of 27 students who took part in クラチャレ, held across 7 regions from June to September 2026 (Sado City, Niigata Prefecture; Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture; Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture; Niki Town, Hokkaido; Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture; Susami Town, Wakayama Prefecture; and Wadomari Town, Kagoshima Prefecture), will give pitch presentations.
Facts
Will be held at TIME SHARING 新橋駅前 on Friday, October 30
Original2026年10月30日(金) 13時00分～17時30分（予定）
A total of 27 students are participating.
Will be held successively across all 7 regions from June to September 2026
A total of 65 events have been held as of April 2026
“Project SEKAI 6th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival” merchandise to go on sale at Animate stores nationwide starting October 13! Animate will also hold a special fair where shoppers can receive gifts
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アニメイト will begin selling merchandise related to the 6th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival for “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat. Hatsune Miku” at Animate stores nationwide on October 13, 2026. It will also hold a commemorative fair through November 8, giving shoppers one “clear bookmark (26 designs in total)” for every ¥1,100 (tax included) spent on eligible products.
Facts
Release date: October 13, 2026
Price: 1,700 yen each (tax included)
Types: 26 designs
Original価格：1パック300円（税込）
1 BOX (11 packs): 3,300 yen (tax included)
Types: 32 designs in total + 26 rare designs
Price: 1,200 yen each (tax included)
Types: 6 designs
Period: October 13–November 8, 2026
During the period, shoppers will receive 1 gift for every ¥1,100 (tax included) spent on “Project SEKAI” merchandise
Gift: Clear bookmark (26 designs in total)
To mark the 6th anniversary of the service launch in September 2026
The “Project SEKAI 6th Anniversary Thanksgiving Festival” was held over 2 days, October 3 and 4
[ＦＣＥ] Signs business-matching agreement with Chugoku Bank, supporting AI adoption by regional businesses, particularly in the Setouchi economic sphere
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ＦＣＥ has signed a business-matching agreement with 株式会社中国銀行, a 100% subsidiary of 株式会社ちゅうぎんフィナンシャルグループ. To support the adoption of AI by regional businesses, particularly in the Setouchi economic sphere, it will begin offering “AI Organizational Adoption Training and Consulting” and the AI platform “AI OMNI AGENT.”
Facts
Securities code: 9564
Securities code: 5832
In urban areas (Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya), approximately 24% of companies actively use AI across multiple departments
In regional areas, the figure is just ６%
Founded: December 21, 1930 (Showa 5)
Established: April 21, 2017
Number of locations: 135 (head office, 122 domestic branches, 5 sub-branches, 5 special sub-branches, 2 overseas locations)
31 branches operating inside other stores
193 off-site ATMs (215 machines)
In May 2026, bringing together this educational expertise, it began offering “AI Organizational Adoption Training and Consulting” …
No. 1 among approximately 7,300 products
Ranked No. 2 among approximately 10,000 products in fiscal 2024
“My pet becomes the hero of a picture book.” Send a photo of your pet and a memory to create a one-of-a-kind picture book! 『ぺっとっと』 goes on sale October 5
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
木村情報技術株式会社 announced that its service 『ぺっとっと』, which creates a one-of-a-kind picture book from photos and memories of a pet, will go on sale on October 5, 2026. AI creates a character from the photo, and a creator completes the text. Several plans are available, including a digital edition for 2,980 yen, a standard edition for 8,800 yen and a premium edition for 15,800 yen (tax included). Delivery takes approximately 15 business days. The service’s official LINE account already had more than 900 friends before launch.
Facts
Sales of 『ぺっとっと』, a service for creating original picture books about pets, will begin on October 5, 2026.
Digital edition: 2,980 yen (tax included)
Standard plan with quality binding: 8,800 yen (tax included)
Premium: 15,800 yen
Additional fee: 1,100 yen
Your order will be delivered approximately 15 business days after purchase.
More than 900 people have already added the official LINE account as a friend.
In a survey of pet insurance policyholders, more than 80％ said they celebrate their pet’s birthday
A higher-end “Deluxe” plan is scheduled to be added in December 2026.
[フォーシーズンズホテル東京大手町] A taste of a Northern European Christmas. Reservations for the Festive Afternoon Tea open Thursday, October 1, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
THE LOUNGE（ザ ラウンジ） on the 39th floor of フォーシーズンズホテル東京大手町 began accepting reservations for its “Festive Afternoon Tea,” themed around a Northern European Christmas, on October 1, 2026. It will be served from November 16, 2026, through January 6, 2027. The pastry team led by Executive Pastry Chef Michele AbbateMarco will serve 5 sweets and 5 savory items, including a pistachio mousse and Jonathan apple tatin in the shape of a teddy bear, foie gras tartlets and beef-braised pastry parcels. Prices are 9,800 yen on weekdays and 10,800 yen on weekends and holidays, including a pairing with selected premium Japanese teas, consumption tax and a 15% service charge.
Facts
Reservations began on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Period: Monday, November 16, 2026–Wednesday, January 6, 2027
Hours: 11:00–last seating at 19:30 (last order for drinks is 30 minutes before closing)
Per person: 9,800 yen on weekdays, 10,800 yen on weekends and holidays*
The listed price includes consumption tax and a 15% service charge.
Venue: THE LOUNGE, 39th floor, フォーシーズンズホテル東京大手町
Seating capacity: 70
The hotel has 190 guest rooms.
A total of 190 guest rooms, including 28 suites
Spanning 49㎡ to 283㎡
フォーシーズンズホテル東京大手町 is a luxury hotel that opened in Otemachi, Tokyo, in September 2020.
5 types of sweets
Book online here: 03-6810-0655 (dining reservations)
caname株式会社, which operates the personal training gym かたぎり塾, will run its “Friends Referral Campaign” from October 5 to November 15, 2026. When a member refers a friend or family member, both will receive Amazon gift cards worth 10,000 yen (20,000 yen for the pair plan).
Facts
The personal training gym かたぎり塾, with more than 300 locations nationwide
Original成人の週1回以上の運動・スポーツ実施率は51.7％
Receive an Amazon gift card worth 10,000 yen
For enrollment in the “Pair Plan,” both the referring person and the person referred will receive 20,000 yen.
Current high school student becomes “president”: 株式会社nowWnow launches as a media outlet and think tank covering JK culture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社nowWnow, led by a current high school student as its representative director and CEO, has launched as a media outlet and think tank covering JK culture. Building on the high school girls’ media outlet “JK Lab,” it is starting 3 businesses—media, marketing support, and think tank services—to bring the authentic voices of high school girls to companies and society.
Facts
There are approximately 3.16 million high school students nationwide.
2.845 million in full-time and part-time programs
312,000 in correspondence courses
Approximately 500 high school girls nationwide are registered.
[Matsuyama, Ehime] Save on your fall move: monthly apartments up to 30% off, plus 50% off cleaning fees!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社三福社宅サービス (Matsuyama, Ehime) is running a limited-time autumn campaign for its furnished monthly apartments, “S Monthly.” Applicants from September 30 to October 31, 2026, will receive a special rate with rent discounted by up to 30% (a 10–30% discount) and cleaning fees discounted by 50%. The campaign covers all 17 properties, mainly in popular areas of Matsuyama.
Facts
Rent discounted by up to 30% from the regular rate
Plus, cleaning fees discounted by 50%
All 17 properties, mainly in popular areas of Matsuyama
Rent discounted by 10–30% from the regular rate
Campaign period: For applicants who apply between September 30, 2026 (Wednesday), and October 31, 2026 (Saturday), inclusive
High school students get an early taste of the learning planned for the Information Science Faculty, opening in April 2027: Nagasaki International University to hold mini open campus at Huis Ten Bosch
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
学校法人九州文化学園 長崎国際大学 (President: Seiji Nakamura) held a “Mini Open Campus and Admissions Briefing” at Huis Ten Bosch on October 4, 2026, for third-year high school students, with 137 people attending. Under a comprehensive cooperation agreement with ハウステンボス株式会社, the university offered a hands-on program for the Department of Information Design in the Faculty of Information Science, scheduled to open in April 2027 (pending approval to establish the program). 44 people took part in the department’s program, learning about information technology and design in an actual theme park setting.
Facts
The Department of Information Design in the Faculty of Information Science, scheduled to open in April 2027 (pending approval to establish the program)
A “Mini Open Campus and Admissions Briefing” for third-year high school students was held on October 4, 2026 (Sunday).
A total of 137 people registered: 74 third-year high school students and 63 accompanying guests
74 third-year high school students
63 accompanying guests
A total of 44 people took part in the Department of Information Design program: 23 third-year high school students and 21 accompanying guests
[セラクCCC AI workshop support case study] Why did a company that sells AI struggle to use it? Results of an AI workshop involving 30 people from across departments
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セラクCCC provided リョーサン菱洋株式会社 with an “AI Workshop” to promote company-wide use of AI. Approximately 30 people took part. The workshop covered everything from identifying business challenges to developing AI use cases, producing 8 ideas for AI applications to consider for implementation.
Facts
Held an “AI Workshop” with approximately 30 participants
Generated 8 leading ideas for AI applications
Capital: 17.69 billion yen
Established: November 18, 1953
Capital: 100 million yen
Established: September 27, 2018
Effective date of absorption-type company split: December 1, 2022
For more than 500 client companies
Approximately 400 or more cloud professionals on staff
Is it really a job seeker’s market? What a survey of 38,000 companies reveals about sharing information to be chosen by job seekers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
リブランディング株式会社 conducted an independent survey of recruitment page listings across the corporate websites of 37,924 companies. A total of 67.3% of companies had at least 1 recruitment-related page. Among the 23,229 companies with a “recruitment entry point,” 63.6% had none of the 4 types of information checked: employee profiles, benefits, new graduate recruitment, and mid-career recruitment. Rates also varied by industry, including 85.5% in staffing and 80.8% in accommodation and food services.
Facts
Surveyed the corporate websites of 37,924 companies
A total of 67.3% of companies had at least 1 recruitment-related page
An emergency physician’s clinic branches into aesthetic medicine — opening a dedicated floor in the Akebonobashi area of Shinjuku, alongside a home-visit nursing station
Korean false-lash brand 「MADAME LASH」, ranked No. 1 in a Qoo10 category, expands offline presence in Japan; pop-up also held on the 1st floor of 有楽町マルイ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Korean false-lash brand 「MADAME LASH（マダムラッシュ）」 is expanding its offline presence in Japan after ranking No. 1 in the 「false eyelashes」 and 「point makeup」 categories on Qoo10 in Japan. The brand held a pop-up on the 1st floor of 有楽町マルイ, unveiling its Japan-exclusive design 「TOKYO GLAM（東京グラム）」 offline for the first time. The space was designed as an interactive venue where visitors could try its glue-free, vegan false eyelashes, with the aim of turning online interest into in-person purchasing experiences. The brand plans to further expand distribution through major offline channels and local promotions.
Facts
It has gained online support, ranking No. 1 in the 「false eyelashes」 and 「point makeup」 categories on Qoo10 in Japan
Notice Regarding Business Succession and Change of Representative Director and President
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社パルネット福島 completed a business succession effective 2026 October 1, with 田中秀司 succeeding former president 佐藤克敏 as representative director and president. 田中電子株式会社 also acquired shares in パルネット福島, making the company a member of the 田中電子 Group.
Facts
Completed a business succession effective 2026 October 1
Building ties for more than 10 years in the same telecommunications industry
[Special programs and keynote lectures announced!] The 15th Fukushima Renewable Energy Industry Fair (REIF Fukushima 2026) to be held October 15 and 16, with special exhibits and other programs