Launch of simulated media training for responding to unauthorized access
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
共同ピーアール株式会社 has launched “Media Training for Responding to Unauthorized Access,” a crisis communications service designed for information leaks caused by unauthorized access. The approximately 3-hour program consists of classroom instruction, a response meeting and a simulated media interview, and includes drills using an initial-response template, along with expert reviews and feedback.
クラブメッド plans to open “Club Med Borneo Malaysia” in Kuala Penyu on Malaysia’s Borneo Island on Nov. 16, 2026. The resort will have 400 rooms and more than 30 types of activities, while also taking into consideration nature conservation and local employment. A super early-booking campaign for the 2027 summer season is also underway.
金城碧海(JO1) and others attend an experiential event where visitors can discover “Fate Cleansing”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
日本ロレアル株式会社’s brand シュウ ウエムラ held a pop-up event at @cosme TOKYO from Oct. 21 to 27, 2026. JO1’s 金城碧海 and 紺野彩夏 attended and tried the “Fate Cleansing Diagnosis.”
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games goalball: On the final day of the preliminary rounds, the men beat Iran 9-2 to secure a place in the semifinals. Tomorrow, both the men and women will face South Korea in the semifinals.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On the final day of the goalball preliminary rounds at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, Japan’s men’s team beat Iran 9-2 to secure a place in the semifinals. Both the men’s and women’s teams will face South Korea in tomorrow’s semifinals.
Facts
Convincing 9-2 win
3 goals by Kaneko
4 consecutive goals
In just 1 minute and 35 seconds
Finished the preliminary rounds in 3rd place with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss
The 24th Whisky Certification Exam to be held in February 2027 — an exam to help you enjoy whisky even more
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ウイスキー文化研究所 announced that it will hold the 24th Whisky Certification Exam in February 2027. The exam will be taken from home and offers 3 levels: Grade 3, Grade 2 and Whisky Making (WM). A discount is available for applicants taking multiple levels. Applications open on Nov. 4, 2026.
Facts
The 24th Whisky Certification Exam in February 2027
The 24th Whisky Certification Exam
20th exam (held in February 2025)
Exam period: Feb. 19 (Fri.) to Mar. 1 (Mon.), 2027
Exam fee: Grade 3, 4,400 yen
10% off the exam fee!
Applications open at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
Application deadline: For convenience-store, bank-transfer and Pay-easy payments, by Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027
For credit card payments, by Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027
ウェスティンホテル東京 has launched its new “Savory Cheese Cookie Tin,” combining 9 kinds of cheese with herbs, spices and Japanese ingredients. It is also offering new products such as “Kinaisuisho,” “Ryutenmon Walnuts Simmered in Starch Syrup” and “Smoked Nuts MIX.”
“R-vision Yasaka,” a large digital signage display in the heart of Shikoku’s largest entertainment district, to grow by approximately 1.5 times in size! Renovation set for Nov. 1, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
合同会社YOHAKUstudio, which operates the large “R-vision Yasaka” digital signage display in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, announced that it will renovate the display on Nov. 1, 2026, expanding its screen to approximately 1.5 times its current size.
Applications now open for the 6th Sport in Life Awards!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
スポーツ庁 is accepting entries through Dec. 4 for the 6th Sport in Life Awards, which recognize efforts that contribute to expanding participation in sports.
Facts
6th
Through Friday, Dec. 4
Tuesday, Oct. 13, Reiwa 8
Scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, Reiwa 9
Companies mentioned：スポーツ庁、Sport in Lifeプロジェクト、Sport in Lifeコンソーシアム、シュープロ
BUDHI MUDRA, a standout in South Korea’s yoga and lifestyle scene, comes to Japan.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
South Korean yoga and lifestyle brand BUDHI MUDRA will open a limited-time showroom in Harajuku, Tokyo, from Oct. 17 to Nov. 15, 2026. Activities will include trying on products and yoga classes engaging the five senses.
L転職, a diagnostic career-change support service, seeks referral partners among recruitment companies and career agents
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Xreed innovation is seeking partner companies for its diagnostic career-change support service L転職 to refer job seekers from its own service to recruitment companies and career agents.
Artificial insemination carried out to conserve the endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin — development of a fertilized egg has now been confirmed. DNA testing after hatching will determine whether it was fertilized through artificial insemination.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
アドベンチャーワールド has carried out artificial insemination as part of its off-site conservation efforts for the endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin and confirmed the development of a fertilized egg. After it hatches in late October, DNA testing is planned to determine whether fertilization resulted from artificial insemination. If successful, this will be a world first.
Learn! Dinosaur 2026: “Dinosaur Kobayashi” is coming to Katsuyama!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
福井県勝山市 will hold the “Learn! Dinosaur 2026” dinosaur lecture on Nov. 21, Reiwa 8, featuring Dr. Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, a professor at 北海道大学総合博物館, as the speaker.
18th JETCUP (Italian Wine Best Sommelier Competition): Naonobu Uchida wins! (ワインバー Diva italiano / Fukuoka venue)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The final of the 18th JETCUP, hosted by 日欧商事株式会社, was held on Oct. 21, 2026, and Naonobu Uchida of ワインバー Diva italiano took first place.
Facts
18th edition
Oct. 21, 2026
3 finalists
72 participants
10 who advanced through the first qualifying round
5 selected
2-week Italian wine training
Founded in 1981
Capital: 99 million yen
Companies mentioned：日欧商事株式会社、イタリア文化会館、イタリア共和国駐日大使館、イタリア大使館 貿易促進部、イタリア政府観光局、リーデル・ジャパン、ワイン王国、Winart、FERRARI、MASI、PLANETA、FRESCOBALDI、FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO、BADIA A COLTIBUONO、BORGOGNO、LA SCOLCA、CASTELLO DI MONTEPO、ワインバー Diva italiano、Firmamento、Vineria Via Vino
[New Product] Heal Creek | Preorders open for iconic outerwear to brighten winter. Revival model also launches to mark the brand’s 25th anniversary
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Heal Creek, the golf apparel brand of 株式会社グリップインターナショナル, will begin taking preorders on October 21, 2026, for a women’s revival model and 2 functional men’s outerwear styles from its Fall/Winter 2026 collection.
[For marketing leaders] Are inconsistent customer experiences reducing willingness to pay? Braze’s Atsushi Yoshinaga explains how to strengthen digital touchpoints; stream begins November 10
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
TOYNOVA株式会社 will host an online broadcast of “MARKETING NOVA SUMMIT 2026 Autumn” on November 10, 2026, featuring Atsushi Yoshinaga, head of customer success at Braze株式会社, who will discuss the relationship between consistent customer experiences and willingness to pay.
GIGABYTE launches 6 products, including GeForce RTX 5060 models featuring a design by “Kamiyama Rin” and LCD-equipped all-in-one liquid CPU coolers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GIGABYTE will launch 2 graphics cards equipped with GeForce RTX 5060 and featuring a design by “Kamiyama Rin,” its image character for Japan, along with 4 LCD-equipped all-in-one liquid CPU coolers. シー・エフ・デー販売株式会社 will serve as the distributor, and the products are scheduled to launch on October 23, 2026.
Still sending property listing emails to everyone using BCC? “Order Mail,” a service for real estate sales and brokerage, sends 1 individually addressed email to each 1 company. Try it free
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社シクミ launched “Order Mail,” an email distribution service for real estate sales and brokerage professionals, on October 21, 2026, and began accepting applications for a free trial.
ヒュンメル and 滋賀レイクス launch para-art shirt to support people with intellectual disabilities!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Danish sports brand hummel（ヒュンメル） has teamed up with Bリーグ’s 滋賀レイクス to release a para-art shirt featuring artwork from アトリエコーナス, a support facility for people with intellectual disabilities. A portion of sales will be donated, with the aim of advancing the SDGs and creating an inclusive environment.
Floyd launches its first aluminum cabin case, “CABIN ALUMINIUM”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
German travel brand Floyd has launched “CABIN ALUMINIUM,” an aluminum cabin case. It features a genuine leather handle and 360° spinner wheels and is priced at ¥220,000. Sales in Japan are handled by 株式会社ビーズインターナショナル.
アイソプラ launches “iScope,” enabling PC activity log collection with Tanium — Leveraging existing Tanium environments to visualize activity logs and strengthen information security and governance
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アイソプラ has launched “iScope,” a proprietary application that supports and extends Tanium operations. By leveraging existing Tanium environments to collect and visualize a range of PC activity logs, including file operations and web access, it supports information security measures and stronger governance.
Facts
As of October 2026
2025–2026 Vendor Assessment
Also in Q2 2026
Companies mentioned：株式会社アイソプラ、タニウム合同会社、Tanium Inc.
akippa and Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, sign partnership agreement and begin efforts to address parking shortages around stations and elsewhere
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
akippa株式会社, which operates the parking marketplace アキッパ, has signed a partnership agreement with Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, to address parking shortages around stations and make effective use of idle land.
Give your cat a spacious place to relax. A larger size joins the popular 4-way bed lineup! The “モフリングXL” 4-way bed, which can also be paired with the “バリバリボウルXL,” launches October 21
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MOON-X Japan株式会社’s cat supplies brand 猫壱 launched “モフリングXL,” a larger version of its 4-way bed “モフリング,” on October 21, 2026.
Launch of “disaster preparedness drills simulating cyberattack damage” for businesses
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
レック・テクノロジー・コンサルティング will begin offering disaster preparedness drills simulating cyberattack damage to businesses in October 2026. The drills are part of its “Re:BIRTH” recovery support service and will help organizations conduct hands-on testing of system recovery procedures and address identified issues.
Facts
Launched in October 2026
123 ransomware incidents were reported in the first half of 2026
Reiwa 8 (2026) Real Estate Transaction Specialist Exam: Answer Key and Explanations for All Questions Released! Take on the Latest Questions in a One-Question-at-a-Time Format on 【宅スマ】 Starting October 23!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社夢来備人 announced that it has released explanations for all questions and the answer key for the Reiwa 8 fiscal year exam on its real estate transaction specialist web app, “宅スマ,” and will begin distributing additional one-question-at-a-time questions from the latest exam on October 23.
Rising star in British confectionery ＬＯＮＤＯＮ ＢＡＫＥ ＧＡＬＬＥＲＹ makes its debut at Daimaru Tokyo! The latest sweets at Daimaru Tokyo
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
British confectioner ＬＯＮＤＯＮ ＢＡＫＥ ＧＡＬＬＥＲＹ, warabi mochi from Kyoto’s 京 嵯峨野 竹路庵, and American frozen dessert maker スイートストリート will make their first appearances at Daimaru Tokyo.
Cloudflare expands partner integrations for AI workspace “Cloudflare OS”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Cloudflare announced that it is strengthening the ecosystem for its AI workspace “Cloudflare OS” through integrations with major applications such as Asana and Box, as well as implementation support from partner companies including EPAM.
Companies mentioned：Cloudflare、クラウドフレア、Cloudflareジャパン株式会社、Asana、Box、Canva、ClickHouse、GitHub、Gong、Notion、EPAM、Happy Cog、Towards AI
Dentsu Soken explains how AI can eliminate “only one person knows” problems in manufacturing. Special lecture to be held <12/9・Free to attend>
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社イプロス will hold a special lecture by Yuuji Fukaya of 株式会社電通総研 at “IPROS AI-Industrial World 2026,” taking place at Tokyo International Forum on December 9 and 10, 2026. The lecture will explain how generative AI can be used to accumulate and apply “living knowledge” to address knowledge-transfer challenges in manufacturing.
THULE launches new Scandinavian-designed travel luggage combining light weight and ample capacity from 【Thule EnRoute】!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ゼット株式会社 will launch Scandinavian-designed travel luggage that is both lightweight and spacious in October 2026 as part of the 【Thule EnRoute】 series from Swedish brand THULE. The lineup includes 5 styles, such as suitcases, duffel bags and pouches, and the sustainable products are bluesign-certified.
Facts
October 2026
5 styles
44L
90L
2.5㎏
80 countries worldwide
800 airports
40L
60L
3L
More than 140 countries worldwide
Companies mentioned：ゼット株式会社、THULE、Thule Group、spinlab inc.
ポケットサイン株式会社 has expanded multilingual support for 宮城県’s official app “PocketSign,” adding support for a total of 8 languages, including Japanese, starting October 20, 2026. It has also launched “Miyagi News,” a mini-app for foreign residents, and added a registration feature using the specified residence card.
Transform wallpaper into a beautiful, hygienic functional surface with a simple coat: New water-based coating agent “Clean-Up Keeper for Wallpaper”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アサヒペン has launched “Clean-Up Keeper for Wallpaper,” a water-based coating agent that can be applied to indoor wallpaper to enhance its appearance and hygienic properties. Available in 2 types, clear and color, it offers antibacterial, mold-resistant and stain-resistant properties.
Facts
Suppression rate of 99.9% or higher
Stain-resistant coating: approximately 3 years
Antibacterial effect: approximately 1 year
Formaldehyde adsorption and decomposition: approximately 6 months
[Survey of 520 men and women] “Third date” is the top choice for confessing feelings at 42%! 29% of women say “later”—when would you make your move?
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A survey of 520 men and women by ワクワクメール found that the “third date” was the most popular time to confess feelings, at 42%, while 28% of women favored “later than that.” 59% were negative about confessing by LINE, reversing the result for phone calls (52%). 28% said they had started dating after initially asking for time to think.
Facts
520 men and women
42% of the total
28% of women
13% of men
59% of the total
52% said “yes”
“Yes” was the answer for 28% overall
Companies mentioned：ワクワクメール、株式会社ワクワクコミュニケーションズ、Apple Inc.、Google Inc.
The latest examples of AI, DX and regional collaboration come together at “RICOH Value Presentation 2026 in AKITA”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Akita Branch of リコージャパン株式会社 will hold “RICOH Value Presentation 2026 in AKITA” on November 17 and 18, 2026, showcasing examples of AI and DX use and regional collaboration projects.
Facts
Two days, November 17 (Tuesday) and 18 (Wednesday), 2026
The 24th Kansai Culture Day in fiscal 2026 will be held mainly on November 14 and 15, with admission fees waived at 473 facilities across 2 prefectures and 8 other prefectures in the Kansai region.
Shimanami Kaido, Innoshima, 大山神社, 3rd Wanko Festival
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
大山神社 will hold the 3rd “Wanko Festival” on Nov. 1. The event will feature purification rites, a walk through a chinowa ring and a dog run. Part of the initial offering fees for dog-patterned amulets will be donated to Japan Animal Center and Animal Donation.
“Astro Guide Starry Sky Yearbook 2027,” which covers 2027 astronomical events in books, videos and an app, and “Starry Sky Calendar BOOK 2027,” a booklet bundled with a wall calendar, go on sale Oct. 21
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アストロアーツ will release “Astro Guide Starry Sky Yearbook 2027,” a mook with a DVD-VIDEO/ROM explaining astronomical events in 2027, and “Starry Sky Calendar BOOK 2027,” a booklet with a wall calendar, on Oct. 21.
Yao craftsmanship showcased in Tokyo comes to the civic lobby! Rediscover the city’s appeal through its manufacturing, culture and history
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, is exhibiting products made by local companies in the city hall’s civic lobby through Oct. 31, 2026, and sharing information about autumn events such as FactorISM2026.
“ONE SAMURAI 5” announces 4 additional matchups! ONE strawweight MMA: Ryuko Wada vs. Jared Brooks; ONE strawweight kickboxing: Reiji vs. Rui Botelho
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ONE Championship JAPAN announced 4 additional matchups for “ONE SAMURAI 5,” to be held at EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on Nov. 18, 2026. Comments from the fighters have been published for the bouts: Ryuko Wada vs. Jared Brooks, Reiji vs. Rui Botelho, Ryugo Takeuchi vs. Brandon Hashimoto, and GUMP vs. Hideto Inui.
The 4th edition of “Fansong,” a learning program for chefs and aspiring chefs, to feature Ryohei Hayashi of one-Michelin-star restaurant てのしま. Learn about building a restaurant that stands the test of time and the potential of Japanese cuisine
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The 4th edition of “Fansong,” a learning program for chefs and aspiring chefs, will be held on Nov. 2, 2026, at Fantudio Takamatsu, operated by タニコー株式会社. The instructor will be Ryohei Hayashi, owner of the one-Michelin-star restaurant てのしま, who will discuss building a restaurant that stands the test of time and the potential of Japanese cuisine.
【Ibaraki Prefecture, 常陸太田市】Sharing the city’s appeal on Instagram! “Jozuru-san PR Team” launches
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
常陸太田市 has launched the “Jozuru-san PR Team,” a citizen public relations group, on Instagram. It selected 7 members for its first cohort in June 2026, and they began activities on Oct. 1.
Bringing together the full picture of an “AI trading company,” from AI education to robotics: Digirise overhauls its corporate website, unveils support options across 5 stages of AI adoption and 9 information guides
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社デジライズ overhauled its corporate website in October 2026, laying out its full range of services as an “AI trading company,” from AI education to robotics support. It also published guidance on support tailored to 5 stages of AI adoption and 9 information guides.
Actor Hiroshi Tachi launches official fan community “TACHI Members”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ソニー・ミュージックソリューションズ and 株式会社舘プロ will launch “TACHI Members,” an official fan community service for actor Hiroshi Tachi, on the smartphone messaging app “yodel,” provided by SMS, starting Oct. 21, 2026. The monthly fee is 880 yen (tax included).
Notice on becoming an interconnection partner with At Tokyo’s “ATBeX”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ミーク株式会社 has become an interconnection partner with At Tokyo’s network platform “ATBeX,” making the direct gateway for “MEEQ Closed Network” available through ATBeX.
Facts
From ¥143 per month, tax included
Established: March 2019
Listed market: Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (332A)
Naval combat game “Souen no Kantai” welcomes the battleship “Yahata (Dream Iron Fortress)”! The Shin-Souen Festival is underway!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A “Shin-Souen Festival” event featuring the new battleship “Yahata (Dream Iron Fortress)” will begin on Oct. 21, 2026, in the naval combat game “Souen no Kantai,” operated by 株式会社リベル・エンタテインメント.
“Disney Sparklink Stars” reaches 700,000 pre-registrations and reveals additional rewards for reaching 800,000!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社coly announced that its smartphone game “Disney Sparklink Stars” has reached 700,000 pre-registrations. It also revealed an upgraded version of the guaranteed ★3 Memory Offer Letter as an additional reward for reaching 800,000.
Facts
Pre-registrations surpass 700,000
Additional rewards for reaching 800,000
Commemorating 500,000 pre-registrations
Companies mentioned：株式会社coly、Disney、Pixar、App Store、Google Play
Jundai Yamada attended a crime prevention campaign held in Ibaraki Prefecture and explained the realities of special fraud cases. He urged people to install the app recommended by 警察庁 and suspend the use of international calls.
Facts
Since 2018
Police forces in all 47 prefectures
Special fraud losses total approximately 2.4 billion yen
Up approximately 1.1 billion yen from the same period last year
First half of Reiwa 8 (January–June)
Approximately 70% or more begin with “+” international phone numbers
Schoo and Tottori University sign comprehensive partnership agreement
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Schoo and Tottori University signed a comprehensive partnership agreement on Oct. 21, 2026, with the aim of building a sustainable model for recurrent education in the region.
FM802 will welcome ＜kiOra＞, a girl group that has performed at music festivals including “HEAD IN THE CLOUDS,” organized by 88rising, for its first SHOWCASE LIVE in Osaka. The event will be held as part of FM802’s “MUSIC MATE” program segment, with 100 pairs of listeners, or 200 people, invited to the priority viewing area.
A moving experience with “Heart Reading,” a blend of tarot and runes. Offering support for romantic concerns and guiding you to a smile! Launch of a fortune-telling service supervised by Rei
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社cocoloni launched a tarot-and-rune “Heart Reading” service supervised by Rei and produced by 株式会社コムドアーズ at cocoloni Fortune-Telling Hall Moon on October 21, 2026.
Facts
Starting October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
Price: 1,320 yen and up (tax included)
A popular fortune-teller with 20 years of experience
Has given readings to more than 30,000 people at in-person sessions and events
Win a stick poster with a handwritten signature and your name! Campaign celebrating the release of Eda Chihō’s Rain and Clover!【ホーリンラブブックス】
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ホーリンラブブックス, operated by 株式会社TORICO, will hold a campaign to celebrate the release of Eda Chihō’s Rain and Clover, giving away signed stick posters by lottery.
Christmas exclusive! The Storybook House: Seiji Yoshida’s Art Settings Collection, featuring a bonus leaflet with newly drawn illustrations by Seiji Yoshida
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社パイインターナショナル will sell Seiji Yoshida’s art book The Storybook House: Seiji Yoshida’s Art Settings Collection with a Christmas-exclusive bonus leaflet featuring newly drawn illustrations.
Facts
More than 140,000 copies sold
Leaflet (4 pages / A5 size)
Available from around October 27 onward
※The previously sold Christmas-exclusive double-cover edition will not be reissued in 2026.
15 new works
In January 2024, the English-language edition
and 30 More Amazing Places to Explore
Specifications: A4-format, nonstandard size (230 mm × 230 mm)
【Nagoya】A luxurious French meal featuring seasonal delicacies, capped with a blissful choice between 2 popular desserts: “A Treat Parfait or Sweets Stand”《includes a welcome drink》now available
【ヒルトン東京お台場】The first “Festive Buffet” since the renovation of Seascape Terrace Dining, overlooking Tokyo Bay—enjoy seasonal yellowtail, roast Japanese beef and Bûche de Noël
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ヒルトン東京お台場 will hold a Festive Buffet at Seascape Terrace Dining from November 16, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Special menu items include Japanese Black Wagyu and domestic roast beef, as well as Bûche de Noël. Regular prices include adult lunch at ¥6,800–¥9,500 and dinner at ¥8,500–¥9,500.
Music video “Lang Lang × Soshina × Makuso Orchestra Club | Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Variation 18” premieres worldwide!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Universal Music announced that a music video featuring Lang Lang, Soshina and the Makuso Orchestra Club performing a work by Rachmaninoff will be released on October 21, along with sales information for Lang Lang’s new albums Piano Book 2 and Piano Book 2 – Modern Encore.
Facts
Will be released from 18:00 on Wednesday, October 21
Hitoshi Matsuke’s At the Foot of the Volcano shortlisted in the foreign novel categories of France’s most prestigious literary prizes, the Prix Médicis and the Prix Femina!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hitoshi Matsuke’s debut novel At the Foot of the Volcano has been shortlisted in the foreign novel categories of France’s Prix Médicis and Prix Femina. The book became a bestseller in South Korea, selling more than 120,000 copies, and has been translated and published in 9 countries and regions worldwide. The author’s latest novel, The Place Where Even Angels Fear to Tread, is scheduled for publication in March 2026.
Facts
9 countries and regions
More than 120,000 copies
Nov. 2
Nov. 6
Late July
More than 20 newspapers
50 books
28 years
Age 51
March 2026
935 yen
Companies mentioned：株式会社新潮社、村井設計事務所、国立現代図書館、読売文学賞、Editions du sous-sol、教保文庫、Service95、Electric Literature、Kriktika、The Kyunghyang Shinmun、河合隼雄物語賞、芸術選奨文部科学大臣賞
Kishi Miyu’s “other ‘ME/YOU’” is here! A digital photo book featuring entirely unseen shots will be released on Wednesday, October 28!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東京ニュース通信社 announced that it will begin distributing the digital edition “another edition,” featuring previously unreleased cuts from 岸みゆ’s 2nd photo book “ME/YOU,” on October 28.
【ラジオ大阪×Re:minder】“80s Idol Song General Election!” begins airing on Wednesday, October 21! AI personalities 弁天おび and ハル will guide listeners
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ラジオ大阪 will begin airing a 30-minute program on October 21, 2026, as media partner for the user-participation project “80年代アイドルソング総選挙！ザ☆ベスト100” by music media outlet Re:minder. AI personalities 弁天おび and ハル will guide listeners through selections from the 200 nominated songs. Voting opens at 15:00 on the same day, with results scheduled to be announced in January 2027.
Facts
Airing begins Wednesday, October 21, 2026
A 30-minute program
From among the 200 nominated songs
10 songs to pass on to the future
Begins at 15:00 on the 21st
More than 30 related articles are scheduled for publication
A special program tied to the results announcement in January 2027
協同商事（COEDO） and Integriculture launch co-creation project to use beer-brewing byproducts in cell-culture media
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Integriculture and 協同商事 have launched a co-creation project to use beer-brewing byproducts as raw materials for cell-culture media. The project was selected for Saitama Prefecture’s “Shibusawa MIX Open Innovation Program ‘Canvas’,” and verification is scheduled to continue through January 2027.
Facts
15 projects selected for fiscal 2026
Verification will continue through January 2027
Results are scheduled to be presented at the Shibusawa MIX results presentation event around February 2027
エックスライト社 to make its first appearance at “60th FISMA TOKYO,” showcasing a digital color workflow for textiles that communicates color as “data”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ビデオジェット・エックスライト株式会社 will exhibit for the first time at “60th FISMA TOKYO,” held at Tokyo Big Sight on November 12–13, 2026, showcasing a digital color workflow for textiles and an automatic color-mixing system in a joint exhibition with Copower社.
Komoro’s first whisky, “KOMORO ORIGIN,” is here! “First Release Week,” a town-wide celebration, will be held starting November 7
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
軽井沢蒸留酒製造株式会社 will hold “First Release Week” from November 7 to 15, 2026, to celebrate the launch of “KOMORO ORIGIN,” the first whisky produced in Komoro. Events during the period will include special bus services for sightseeing, with support from Seibu Kanko Bus and Nagano Toyota Motor; digital ticket sales in partnership with しなの鉄道; and a whisky street project at local businesses.
16 teams using AI to tackle social challenges selected! “Vietnam Japan AI Hackathon 2026” to be held in Tokyo on October 24 and November 7
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Brandchie合同会社, together with Vietnam Japan AI Community and 在日ベトナムDX協会, will hold “Vietnam Japan AI Hackathon 2026,” with 16 teams selected. The theme is “Agentic AI for Sustainable Goals,” with total prize money of ¥800,000 and API credits from OpenAI on offer.
Facts
16 teams
286 people
8 teams
Total prize money: ¥800,000
Prize: ¥400,000
Prize: ¥250,000
Prize: ¥150,000
OpenAI API credits worth US$10,000
OpenAI API credits worth US$5,000
OpenAI API credits worth US$2,500
OpenAI API credits worth US$1,000
Companies mentioned：Brandchie合同会社、Vietnam Japan AI Community、在日ベトナムDX協会、Tokyo Innovation Base、OpenAI
【京都精華大学】Student-organized lecture “Hurray! ぽぷりか lecture” to be held
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
京都精華大学 will hold the student-organized lecture “Hurray! ぽぷりか lecture” on November 18, where ぽぷりか, representative of the video production team 映像製作チームHurray!, will speak about music video production and career paths.
nishikawa DOWN, created by sales staff, arrives from ナノ・ユニバース!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ナノ・ユニバース, operated by 株式会社TSI, published a new content page for the “nishikawa DOWN” project, reflecting the real-world feedback of its sales staff, on October 21.
株式会社SiNCE featured on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s company profile website “東京カイシャハッケン伝！”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社SiNCE announced that it has been featured on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s website introducing small and medium-sized businesses, “東京カイシャハッケン伝！” The company, which provides AI and data utilization support services, highlighted its focus on areas such as Ontology and FDE, as well as its stepped-up recruitment.
WasabiCard officially joins the Open USD partner ecosystem
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
WasabiCard has officially joined the Open Standard ecosystem as an official ecosystem partner of Open USD (OUSD) and is exploring its use for card payments and cross-border fund flows at global companies.
Facts
Approximately US$401 billion–US$527 billion
42%–63% increase year over year
Accounts for 58%–64% of all stablecoin payments
B2B payment clearing totals approximately US$137 billion to US$153 billion
[那覇商工会議所] Get ready for natural disasters and cyberattacks! Seminar on understanding the “Business Continuity Capability Enhancement Plan” and preparing risk measures for your company to be held on Nov. 10
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
那覇商工会議所 will hold a seminar on Nov. 10 to help participants understand the “Business Continuity Capability Enhancement Plan” and learn risk measures for their companies in preparation for natural disasters and cyberattacks.
The nightly blocked-number calls that troubled Hiroki Narimiya: He answered, saying, “Maybe I should try facing it,” but… Ai Kago reveals how a female fan’s behavior escalated, saying, “Why are you ignoring me?”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On AbemaTV’s “Naokiman’s Urban Legends Talk Show SEASON4,” Hiroki Narimiya and Ai Kago shared frightening experiences with extreme fans. Narimiya spoke about blocked-number calls every night and feeling unwell while filming a horror show, while Kago described the actions of a persistent female fan.
ORICO announces a 40Gbps USB4 dual-bay M.2 NVMe clone dock—with one-click offline cloning, support for up to 8TB, and integrated aluminum heat dissipation to streamline data migration and backup
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ORICO has unveiled a dual-bay M.2 NVMe clone dock with 40Gbps USB4 support. It features one-click offline cloning, support for up to 8TB, and an integrated aluminum heat-dissipation design, aiming to make data transfers and backups more efficient. A limited-time 35% OFF promotion is currently underway.
Experience the dilemma of a job-placement agent caught in the middle through a game. “Caught-in-the-Middle Job Placement Agent Game” officially launches
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社AGENT SUCCESS officially launched “Caught-in-the-Middle Job Placement Agent Game,” a free web game simulating the dilemmas faced by job-placement agents, on Oct. 21, 2026.
Large-Dog Cafe ほっとひと犬 marks its 2nd anniversary with an event. In a survey of 20 participants, 100% gave positive responses, saying their “stress and fatigue had eased”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Large-dog cafe ほっとひと犬, operated by 株式会社ほっとひと犬, held an event on Sept. 21, 2026, to mark its 2nd anniversary. A survey of 20 participants confirmed reduced stress and strong interest in attending again.
3rd auction to be held on Oct. 31 in Marunouchi, Tokyo! Rare items on offer include Romanée-Conti, Harlan Estate, ドン ペリニヨン P2 and P3, 40-year-old Macallan, Kohei Nawa Pixel works, and animation cels
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Maison Blanche株式会社 will hold its 3rd auction, “MASQUERADE SOIRÉE,” at OCA TOKYO in Marunouchi, Tokyo, on Oct. 31, 2026. Rare wines such as Romanée-Conti and Harlan Estate, 40-year-old Macallan, and works by Kohei Nawa will be offered, with Japanese wine introduced as a new category.
Facts
Oct. 31, 2026
174%
195%
162%
207%
313%
15,000 yen
Companies mentioned：Maison Blanche株式会社、OCA TOKYO、ドメーヌ・ド・ラ・ロマネ・コンティ、DRC、ハーラン・エステート、Harlan Estate、ドン ペリニヨン、Dom Pérignon、ザ・マッカラン、The Macallan、シャトー・オー・ブリオン、Le Clarence de Haut-Brion、シャトー・ラフィット・ロートシルト、Carruades de Lafite
New merchandise featuring an original illustration by Chifuyu-sensei from “The Struggling Light Novel Author Mistakes His Housekeeper Gal for His Wife” to debut at “AGF2026”! Pre-sales confirmed at Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chugai Mining will offer new merchandise from “The Struggling Light Novel Author Mistakes His Housekeeper Gal for His Wife” for presale at the Chugai Mining booth [Y-23] during “Animate Girls Festival 2026,” to be held Nov. 7–8.
New merchandise featuring an original illustration by Azumi Nagano-sensei from “The Omega with a Child and the Tyrannical Yakuza” to debut at “AGF2026”! Pre-sales confirmed at Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chugai Mining will offer new merchandise from “The Omega with a Child and the Tyrannical Yakuza” for presale at the Chugai Mining booth [Y-23] during “Animate Girls Festival 2026,” to be held Nov. 7–8.
New merchandise featuring an original illustration by Makke-sensei from “Praise Me If You Can Become a Sub” to debut at “AGF2026”! Pre-sales confirmed at Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
中外鉱業株式会社 will offer new merchandise from “Praise Me If You Can Become a Sub” for presale at the Chugai Mining booth [Y-23] during “Animate Girls Festival 2026,” to be held Nov. 7–8, 2026. The lineup will feature original illustrations by Makke-sensei, and advance orders will also be available on the e-commerce site.
New merchandise featuring an original illustration by Mataaki Kurenai-sensei from “May I Fall Into Your Hands?” to debut at “AGF2026”! Pre-sales confirmed at Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
New merchandise featuring an original illustration by Omayu-sensei from “Sparkle Encore” to debut at “AGF2026”! Pre-sales confirmed at Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chugai Mining will hold advance sales of new merchandise featuring newly drawn illustrations by Omayu-sensei for 『スパークル・アンコール』 at the Chugai Mining booth [Y-23] during the Animate Girls Festival 2026, taking place Nov. 7–8, 2026.
New merchandise featuring newly drawn illustrations by Shionigari-sensei from 『二人でパパはじめました』 is coming to AGF2026! Advance sales confirmed at the Chugai Mining booth [Y-23]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chugai Mining will hold advance sales of new merchandise from 『二人でパパはじめました』 at its booth [Y-23] at Animate Girls Festival 2026, taking place Nov. 7–8.
Keepsakes from beloved pets who have passed away can save another life. Japan’s largest social pet event, “Animal Baton Festa 2026,” is coming!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般社団法人アニマルバトン will hold “Animal Baton Festa 2026,” Japan’s largest social pet event, at Hattori Ryokuchi Park in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on Nov. 21 and 22, 2026. Admission is free. The event will include donations of “Rainbow Items”—belongings of pets who have passed away, passed on to help the next life—as well as adoption events hosted by numerous animal rescue groups.
Ayumu’s first song as a solo artist, “Re:START,” begins streaming today, Oct. 21!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Solo artist Ayumu will release the first solo song following her work with Zwei, “Re:START,” for streaming on Oct. 21. A new song, “MAKUAKE 謳歌,” is also scheduled for release on Nov. 18.
Facts
Streaming began today, Wednesday, Oct. 21.
A new song, “MAKUAKE 謳歌,” is also scheduled for release on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
We’ll bring you new songs for 2 consecutive months.
The entrance counter at イータリー Marunouchi has reopened! With an expanded menu, authentic Italian cuisine is now closer at hand, whether dining in or taking out.
Kagoshima Prefecture has selected candidates for 4 positions, including “Amami World Natural Heritage Nudge Advisor,” through En’s “Social Impact Recruitment Project.” Of the 1,115 applications, 4 people, including candidates from the private sector, have joined the prefectural government.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
エン株式会社 carried out Kagoshima Prefecture’s “Social Impact Recruitment Project” in June 2026. Four candidates for 4 positions were selected from 1,115 applications.
Tomoyasu Works launches “CROSS MAKERS,” a co-creation platform connecting manufacturers, creators and local communities
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社友安製作所 will launch “CROSS MAKERS,” a co-creation platform connecting manufacturers, creators and local communities, on Dec. 15, 2026, and hold a kickoff event in Yao, Osaka Prefecture, on the same day.
Facts
There are approximately 340,000 manufacturing companies in Japan.
Small and midsize businesses account for more than 99% of them.
Dec. 15, 2026 (Tue.)
Membership fee: 3,300 yen per month. Events and projects exclusively for makers are also available.
Capacity: First 200 people
Participation fee: 5,000 yen (includes event admission and food and drinks at the networking reception)
Beta version of “BiomeBoard,” a natural capital visualization tool, launches with free trial access to its “TNFD Response Board”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社バイオーム began offering the beta version of its natural capital visualization tool “BiomeBoard” for free on Oct. 21, 2026. New features include a TNFD Response Board and integration with “BiomeSurvey,” a field survey tool. A total of 23 companies took part in early access.
Facts
Original2026年10月21日（水）12:00より開始しました
A total of 23 companies from a wide range of industries participated.
Surpassed 1.33 million downloads
Holds more than 12.3 million biological data records
『プロジェクトセカイ カラフルステージ！ feat. 初音ミク』 launches compilation event “Vivid BAD SQUAD Memories” and “Vivid BAD SQUAD Memories Gacha”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セガ and 株式会社Colorful Palette are currently running the compilation event “Vivid BAD SQUAD Memories” and its related gacha in the iOS/Android game 『プロジェクトセカイ カラフルステージ！ feat. 初音ミク』, starting Oct. 21, 2026.
Facts
5 free gacha tickets every day
Held for 5 days each for all six units
Only ★2 or higher “Vivid BAD SQUAD” members will appear
Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: Students bring the “power of local food” to Sagami Women’s University, with 9 municipalities and 6 companies gathering
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
学校法人相模女子大学 will hold the 18th Local Products Exhibition, featuring 9 municipalities and 6 companies from across Japan, as part of its 57th Aioi Festival on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2026. The new campus café “44APARTMENT” is also scheduled to make its first appearance, and university character merchandise will be sold.
【AKARUMI New Feature Release】GSC Report feature added
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ipe has released “GSC Report,” a new feature for its AIO/LLMO analysis tool “AKARUMI” that connects with Google Search Console (GSC) to let users check search performance.
Enka singer Yusuke Hashiri held a campaign at Mishima’s 日清プラザ to mark the release of his new song “Tokyo Hitori,” performing and holding a handshake event for approximately 250 audience members.
Facts
Yusuke Hashiri (52)
１８th year since debut
23rd new song
Approximately 250 audience members from Mishima gathered
SamuraiAX offers a feature that saves successful work procedures from conversations as “skills,” so users can reproduce the same results simply by selecting them the following month
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Kiva has released a feature in SamuraiAX’s business AI agent OS, “Samurai App,” that saves successful work procedures from conversations as “skills” for reuse. This enables routine tasks to be repeated in the same way.
SamuraiAX offers invoice creation with verified details and suggested payment matching through the accounting agent in its business AI agent OS, Samurai App