200 articles
Head coach Dai Oketani will step down from the Ryukyu Golden Kings following the expiration of his contract and will be appointed as the head coach of the Japan men's national basketball team starting in 2026.
Antway, operator of the 'Tsuklio' handmade meal subscription, has appointed Yuki Anzai, co-CEO of MIMIGURI, as an outside director to bolster its organizational structure.
Nagoya City has begun revising its 'Basic Vision,' the highest-level guideline for city administration, for the first time in 50 years. Kento Matsui, CEO of Kanameya Co., Ltd., has been appointed to the council to reflect the voices of the next generation in redefining Nagoya's vision for 2050.
Matheus Katayama, Creative Director at AIMS, has been selected as a jury member for the global film craft award 'CICLOPE Asia Pacific 2026'.
Tokushima Gambarous has announced a contract renewal with player Yuki Tsukamoto for the 2026-27 season. Tsukamoto will continue as the team's point guard for the upcoming season.
Yokohama Vanilla Co., Ltd., operator of the 'Yokohama Vanilla' gift sweets brand, has announced the appointment of pastry chef Kiyoshi Kurihara as its first Executive Officer and CPO. Kurihara has led product development since the company's founding and brings extensive experience from renowned patisseries like Pierre Hermé Paris. This appointment aims to internalize product development and further strengthen the brand's identity.
Trust Inc. has appointed Hiroyuki Saito, who served over 25 years in financial oversight at the Bank of Japan, as Executive Fellow. This move aims to strengthen the company's governance and risk management support for financial institutions as they adopt DX and generative AI.
Uravation, specializing in AI training, consulting, and agent implementation, has launched a recruitment drive for AI consultants and trainers following rapid business growth. The company is offering full-remote positions for both full-time and contractor roles.
abc Inc. has announced the appointment of Keio University Professor Hiroyuki Kishi as an auditor for its new joint venture, AI Data Partners Inc. The company aims to strengthen governance and public-private collaboration through his policy expertise, supporting the nationwide rollout of AI-specialized data centers.
On May 25, 2026, En Japan launched the METI 'Social Impact Hiring Project.' The initiative seeks candidates for 'Comprehensive' and 'General' staff roles at the section chief/assistant manager level, using a selection process similar to the private sector. The application period runs until June 17, and an online information session is scheduled for June 5.
NTV HR Research Institute has appointed Setsuo Tanaka, former Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, as Executive Supervisor to strengthen corporate governance and promote trusted organizational management.
Shinshu Brave Warriors announced that Head Coach Michael Katsuhisa's contract will expire following the 2025-26 season, ending his eight-year tenure.
En Japan, in partnership with the Cabinet Personnel Bureau, has launched a nationwide recruitment drive for the 'employment ice age' generation. A total of 177 positions across three categories—Administration, Technical, and Prison Officer—are available.
McCann Erickson announced it will change its name to 'McCann Japan' effective July 1, 2026, and consolidate MRM Worldwide and Craft Worldwide under its umbrella. As part of Omnicom Advertising, the new entity aims to provide one-stop, data-driven integrated marketing solutions optimized for Japan.
Iori Yoneda, Executive Director of Community Media, was appointed as a Special Professor at Busan University of Foreign Studies in April 2026. He will promote practical education and Japan-Korea cultural exchange by integrating ICT and culture.
Joban Kosan Co., Ltd. announced a new leadership structure for the Spa Resort Hawaiians Dancing Team effective July 1, 2026. Puamelia Mayu will become the new captain, supported by new sub-captains and solo dancers.
Kaopiz, a software development company, announced that it has appointed fintech and business development expert Junya Ishida as its Strategic Advisor to strengthen alliances and business expansion in Japan.
GEOTRA has restructured its organization into five units to strengthen its management. Ryosuke Susuta, Kentaro Aoki, and Wei Lu have been appointed as Executive Officers to accelerate social problem solving through human flow data.
HR consultant Mai Hamada of Mercury Ad Inc. has launched a six-month hands-on support program for employees transitioning from general to comprehensive roles at a major construction materials company, focusing on self-efficacy and problem-solving skills.
On May 18, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) launched a mass recruitment campaign for over 20 professionals across 9 roles, including future leadership positions, through En Japan's 'Social Impact Recruitment Project.' The process exempts standard civil service written exams, focusing on interview-based selection.
Sherpa & Company, provider of the sustainability data platform 'SmartESG,' has established a new management structure by adding a COO, CTO, and CFO to its existing board of directors. The move aims to enhance specialization in functional areas, accelerate decision-making, and improve execution capabilities to drive sustainable growth.
E-sports team REJECT, operated by REJECT Inc., announced the addition of Taro and SPINZ to its Fortnite division. The pair will form a duo and aim for the top of the competitive scene.
Sanae Akima, CEO of La torche, has been appointed Executive Advisor to 'hal', a research lab established by Hokan Group on May 29, 2026. She will leverage cognitive science to address social challenges within the insurance and risk management sector.
SALESCORE Inc. announced that Motoki Kasahara has been appointed as CPO (Chief Product Officer) effective May 1, 2026. Kasahara, who joined in May 2023 as Head of Development, led the conceptualization and development of the AI platform "Value Intelligence." Under Kasahara's leadership, the company aims to accelerate AI product development, strengthen its vertically integrated business model combining consulting, SaaS, and AI, and solve inefficiencies in sales organizations.
Nagi and AO, players from the professional esports team DOPENESS, based in Shikoku (Tokushima), have been selected for the eFootball Japan National Team. Both players aim to participate in the international tournament 'FIFAe World Cup 2026' and will compete as mobile division representatives in the Asian qualifiers, 'FIFAe Nations League' and 'FIFAe Continental Championship.' This is a significant announcement showcasing DOPENESS's regional revitalization efforts and international success.
AI Power Co., Ltd. announced that Terushi Shimizu, who served as President and CEO and Chairman of Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation, will join the company as Semiconductor Executive Advisor on May 1, 2026. This move is expected to accelerate the development and widespread adoption of their next-generation security semiconductor, ATOM.
Eternam Co., Ltd., a cosmetics R&D and manufacturing company, has appointed actress and artist Etsuko Shihomi as its brand ambassador, effective May 1, 2026. Shihomi's philosophy of 'continuously challenging oneself' resonates with Eternam's regenerative medicine-based skincare philosophy of 'pursuing evolution without being satisfied with the status quo,' advocating for a beauty that affirms aging to society.
The Ryukyu Golden Kings announced their new coaching structure for the 2026-27 season. Anthony McHenry will take effective command as Associate Head Coach, with Kensuke Hosaka as the registered Head Coach.
Howmet Systems Japan announced that Felix Sellmann has been appointed as the new Representative Director.
Stock Inc. announced that Shunichi Takeda, formerly of LINE Yahoo, assumed the position of CTO on May 21, 2026. The company aims to strengthen its technical organization and infrastructure as it enters a 'second founding' phase to accelerate product growth.
Daisuke Yamanaka, CEO of SHONAI, has been appointed as a non-executive director of Montedio Yamagata, effective May 20, 2026. Leveraging SHONAI’s regional branding and business creation expertise, he will support the club’s transformation into a regional value-creation hub centered on a new stadium project.
Asuene Inc. announced that Takayuki Kageyama, Co-CEO of its group company Carbon EX Inc., has been appointed as an Executive Officer of Asuene. Kageyama will concurrently serve as Co-CEO of Carbon EX, focusing on accelerating the carbon credit business and enhancing business synergy across the entire Asuene Group.
Vertex Co., Ltd. announced that its CEO, Yuji Kajio, was approved as a director of the 'New Urban Environment Thinking Association' (Tokankai) during its general meeting on May 18, 2026. This association aims to improve the integrity and reliability of the real estate industry.
Figure skater Kaori Sakamoto has released a handwritten message of gratitude to her supporters ahead of her retirement press conference. Sysmex Corporation, her sponsor, reflects on her 9-year journey and praises her achievements and character.
Film director and video artist Yutaro Seki joined P.I.C.S. on May 1st. P.I.C.S. aims to create world-class visual experiences by integrating Seki's exceptional artistry with its diverse creative resources. This is a significant personnel announcement in the video industry.
Tomoya Kinjo, a participant in the Japan Winter League (JWL), signed a minor league contract with the MLB Toronto Blue Jays and paid a courtesy visit to the Okinawa City Mayor. Kinjo stated that his experience at JWL was a turning point, and the Mayor expressed hope that it would bring dreams to the region.
Mercury Co., Ltd. has offered full-time employment to 41 individuals (out of 386 applicants) as 'Dream Full-time Employees' through a collaboration project with the YouTube channel 'Michopa Yoshimura no Mabumabu TV'. This initiative supports aspiring talents, comedians, and idols by providing stable income and an environment to pursue their dreams.
Forcesteed Robotics announced an executive structure change effective May 1, 2026, welcoming Tetsuri Sonoda, formerly of Meta, as Executive Officer CTO to bolster its R&D system. Representative Director Hiroyuki Osawa will transition to CEO & CDO, focusing on product and technology strategy.
Forest Digital Inc., developer of the immersive viewing platform "uralaa," has appointed Manabu Yamada, former EVP of DAZN Japan and CEO of Sports Navi, as Executive Vice President for Contents & Partnerships. Yamada will lead content and partnership strategies to accelerate the company's business expansion in the sports and entertainment sectors.
PeopleX Inc. has introduced an internal certification system that objectively quantifies and evaluates employees' management skills through its interactive 'PeopleX AI Roleplay' service.
HubSpot Japan announced the appointment of Yuya Isa as its new Country Manager, effective April 1, 2026. Isa will lead the company's efforts to strengthen support for Japanese companies' growth, focusing on three key areas to promote the AI and CRM-powered Agentic Customer Platform in the Japanese market.
Eri Yamamoto, Executive Director of Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA), was appointed Co-Chairperson of the Japan Platform (JPF) on May 25, 2026. She joins Keiji Nishizawa of Keidanren in a dual leadership role to strengthen Japan's international humanitarian aid.
Global Brain Corporation has transitioned to a new management structure with the appointment of 10 new members as General Partners (GP) responsible for investments and Managing Partners (MP) responsible for execution and operations.
ECX Group has announced a management restructuring effective May 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening governance and optimizing operations. Keisuke Yabunaka has been appointed as COO, while Chairman Tanaka and President Shimizu shift focus to group-level management.
SeaHorses Mikawa of the B.League has announced a contract renewal with #7 Seishi Nagano, agreeing to a three-year multi-year contract from the 2026-27 to 2028-29 seasons.
Spectee, a resilience-tech startup, announced that its OSINT analyst Yoichi Okubo has been appointed as a research fellow at the Institute for New Domain Security (INODS). He will apply his practical experience to security research.
Kagawa Five Arrows announced that Shinnosuke Negoro's contract will expire on June 30, 2026.
Tokyo Great Bears announced that Takahiro Tozaki will leave Diamond food VC in Thailand and move to another overseas team on loan for the 2026-27 season. Tozaki aims to continue his global challenge and contribute to the team's international growth.
Nichidenbo has announced the appointment of Mr. Cheng Wen-Tsung, Chairman of WPG Holdings, as a new corporate director following a by-election during its 14th board of directors.
Nichidenbo held its annual general meeting on May 22, 115, approving the 114 fiscal year financial reports and dividend proposal (4.8 TWD cash dividend per share). Additionally, Mr. Zheng Wenzong (representative of WT Microelectronics) was elected as a new director.
Tokyo Great Bears has announced that Kandai Goto will leave the Finnish team Akaa-Volley after the 2025-26 season and will be loaned to the German Bundesliga 1 team SVG Lüneburg for the 2026-27 season.
Bambitious Nara has announced contract renewals for six players—Erumu Nakatani, Tatsuya Sakaguchi, Shu Mayama, Aoha Ueda, Takuya Soma, and Jumpei Honda—for the 2026-27 season. Among them, Takuya Soma and Jumpei Honda have signed two-year deals through the 2027-28 season.
Tung Ho Steel announced the election of directors and independent directors at its regular general meeting. Chairman Hou Chieh-teng was reelected, and new independent directors including Sun Ming-te were appointed.
Nichidenbo held its Annual General Shareholders' Meeting on May 22, 115, approving a cash dividend of 4.8 NTD per share for FY114. The meeting also approved the business report and financial statements, and elected Mr. Zheng Wenzong of WPG Holdings as a new director.
On May 22, 115, the annual shareholders meeting was held, approving the loss offset for fiscal 114 and the re-election of directors.
Nippon Travel Agency has launched full-scale alumni recruitment and opened its unique alumni platform, 'AlumLink,' on May 21, 2026, aimed at rehiring former employees.
To address the dual challenges of corporate integration and increased recruitment demands, J. Front Prime Space utilized 'CORNER,' an HR professional boutique service provided by Corner Inc. By positioning external professionals at the core of their operations, they exceeded their annual hiring goal of 25 by onboarding over 30 people, successfully achieving both organizational transformation and an expansion of HR capabilities.
BES Engineering Corporation has fully re-elected its board of directors and independent directors at its shareholders' meeting due to the expiration of their terms, establishing a new management structure effective for 3 years starting May 21, 115.
Global Unichip Corp (GUC) held its annual general meeting on May 21, 2026, and elected a new board of directors. Dr. Li-Zhong Lu was appointed as a corporate director representing TSMC, and Dr. Chao-Hung Chen was newly elected as an independent director.
Trust Inc., a company promoting DX in the financial industry, has appointed Kenji Yamanishi, a leading expert in data science and a professor at the University of Tokyo, as its Principal Advisor, effective April 1, 2026. This appointment aims to further business growth and strengthen research and technology areas.
Yuichi Morito, Representative Director of the Japan Digital Transformation Promotion Association (JDX), has been appointed as CAIO (Chief AI Officer) Assistant for Chikujo Town, Fukuoka Prefecture. Morito will support the mayor-led AI promotion system, aiming to improve administrative services, transform operations, and create new businesses through the utilization of generative AI. This initiative addresses AI governance and regional revitalization amidst a declining birthrate and aging population.
Yuichi Morito, Representative Director of the Japan Digital Transformation Promotion Association (JDX), has been appointed as "CAIO (Chief AI Officer) Assistant" for Nogata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, effective May 18, 2026. Through this appointment, JDX will strongly support Nogata City in building AI governance, data-driven policy making, and creating new businesses based on regional issues, aiming for "advanced local government management" and promoting regional DX across Japan.
Esports company CELLORB has established a new mission, "Connect the World through Play," and will transition to a new management structure on May 1st to accelerate global expansion. Hitoshi Sakuma will become Representative Director CEO, and Fusuke Toyoda will become Representative Director CESO, leading the company under a co-representative system.
Pay it Forward Inc. has revolutionized its salary system to an industry-leading level, offering general employees 365,000 yen and store managers 540,000 yen monthly. They introduced a 10-level grading system and are accelerating overseas expansion starting with Hanoi.
Azumi Setoda, an inn in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, will welcome new Head Chef Kazushige Aoki from April 1, 2026, launching a new dinner course inspired by Setoda's history and climate. It fuses seasonal Setouchi ingredients with Italian and French techniques, offering a unique dining experience.
jinjer Inc. announced the appointment of Yuichiro Matsuyama, former COO of Pioneer Mobility Service Company, as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO) effective April 1, 2026. Matsuyama, with extensive experience from IT infrastructure to SaaS businesses, will lead product strategy and oversee the product organization for jinjer's integrated HR system 'Ginger,' driving business growth.
The social experiment community "DICT" (operated by Link & Innovation Co., Ltd.) has announced that three of its members have newly founded companies and started activities as social entrepreneurs. This challenge aims to socially implement research and practice from the Hosei University Graduate School of Management (MBA). With the addition of these three companies specializing in "education, culture, and co-creation," DICT's function as a "resonance field" will be further strengthened.
Marketing organization 'Joshi Kosei Lab', operated by with t Inc., has appointed 'Nanri', the double grand prize winner of 'High School Freshmen Miss Contest 2025' and 'High School Miss Contest 2025', as its exclusive model for 2026. By combining the influencer's widespread peer support with the lab's nationwide network of 500 members, the organization aims to enhance its Z-generation marketing support.
Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd., a comprehensive PR firm, announced a mid-to-long-term role expansion plan for its AI agent 'Iris'. Recognized as the first AI in a listed company to receive an employee number, Iris will be gradually 'promoted' from its current role as a secretary to handling PR operations, and eventually spearheading group-wide AI promotion and serving as the pilot for 'AgentOS'. The company positions AI as an organizational OS and aims to externalize its internal testing success as an 'AI PR Package' in the future.
Taku Sakaushi 1st Class Architect Office has reorganized into D.A. (Diverse Architects) to expand its business horizons. A new subsidiary, D.A. fashion & book, led by Hirofumi Nakagawa, has also been established to promote creative activities across architecture, apparel, and publishing.
Composer and electronic sound designer Ko Sahara, recognized for his activities as a member of the Web 3.0/DAO social experiment community 'DICT', will be appointed as an Associate Professor at Doshisha Women's University, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Department of Music, starting April 2026. This appointment is expected to further strengthen DICT's academic collaborations.
MIXI launched its new "MIXI Cafeteria Plan" in April 2026, providing 240,000 points annually to each employee. In addition to skill development, health support, childcare, and nursing care, it includes a unique "Invention Support" category, characteristic of an entertainment company, to encourage experiences that lead to new ideas such as live performances, art, sports viewing, and the latest digital content. Within one month of its launch, 44% of eligible employees have utilized the plan, showing widespread adoption.
Blue Sky Energy Co., Ltd. has appointed Natsuki Abe, a talent and influencer with over 4 million followers, as its new image character. The company aims to widely promote the importance of renewable energy and its initiatives.
Promotool is dispatching Takeshi Watanabe, Deputy Director of its Aroma Technology Research Institute, to ISIPCA, the world's leading French perfumery school. The aim is to incorporate cutting-edge aroma technology trends, strengthen the perspective of scent as "design" rather than "sensation," and advance the company's technological foundation.
Bunta Ishiwata, CEO of AX Co., Ltd., has been appointed as the external Chief AI Officer (CAIO) of KASHIKA Co., Ltd., which provides the advertising data platform "Video Ad Analysis Pro" used by 2,200 companies. The two companies will establish a joint development system for AI-driven marketing agents, aiming to maximize marketing results based on data through the collaboration of AI and human capabilities.
Noble Partner Co., Ltd. has introduced a "Pet Bereavement Leave System." Based on the CEO's personal experience, this initiative supports employees in spending their last moments with their pets as family, reflecting the company's philosophy of pet coexistence in its internal policies.
Gift Holdings has announced the appointment of Hisashi Kuhara, Representative Director of Create Partner, as Vice President. Kuhara will oversee human resource development for the 17 billion yen 'THE SANCTUARY' luxury golf resort project.
Nikken Razor Co., Ltd. appointed Shoji Akimoto as an external director at its general meeting of shareholders in May 2026. The company aims to leverage his expertise to create new business opportunities and strengthen regional collaboration.
Deputy Mayor Nozaki of Inzai City, Chiba, will take paternity leave from May 22 to June 18, 2026. The city has achieved an 88.9% paternity leave rate among male staff (FY2023) and aims to further cement the culture of 'male participation in childcare as a norm' through leadership by example.
Seahorses Mikawa has announced a four-year contract renewal with player #19 Yudai Nishida, covering the 2026-27 through 2029-30 seasons.
INSIGHT WORKS Inc. has appointed emergency physician Dr. Hiroshi Imai as an advisor for its brand 'kokolo sauna®'. Leveraging his expertise in emergency medicine, Dr. Imai will promote the sauna and cold bath experience as a healthy habit for preventive medicine.
The Japan Research Institute (JRI) announced that Hugh Whittaker, a professor at the University of Oxford and a leading scholar on the Japanese economy, has been appointed as an external advisor to its Centre for Advanced Corporate Strategy as of May 2026. JRI aims to enhance its corporate transformation support system by integrating his academic insights.
Seifukan High School announced that its Principal, Teruyoshi Fujiwara, has been appointed as an Advisor to the Tankyu Acceleration Organization (TAO), established in April 2026. Together with top educational leaders like Kan Suzuki and Toshiki Sumitani, TAO is launching the 'Exploratory Navigator Certification Course' for parents and educators. Against the backdrop of rising truancy and the AI era, the initiative aims to train 100,000 professionals who can foster children's independence, thereby building the infrastructure for inquiry-based education in Japan.
Seahorses Mikawa has announced the contract extension of Koyo Nishida through the 2026-27 season. He aims to build on his growth following a loan transfer to Kumamoto Volters.
Noriaki Hamaoka, CEO of Predilection LLC, appeared on the YouTube channel 'PIVOT' to discuss his book and the significance of his results-oriented HR consulting program, 'Management Drive®️'.
Digital Securities Co., Ltd. (DS) has appointed Hiroki Akiyama as Director and Head of Business Division, effective March 23, 2026, and Ryo Kato as Outside Director, effective May 20, 2026. Akiyama contributed to the launch of the firm's private real estate fund business, while Kato, with a background in M&A at SBI Securities, joins as a nominated director under the capital and business alliance to drive corporate growth.
伊藤忠商事為提升效率並應對勞動力減少，推動「晨型工作」制度，成功降低加班費與整體成本。
Okiden CplusC Co., Ltd. announced on May 13, 2026, that it has changed its company name to "Okiden Yui Life Co., Ltd." As a member of the Okinawa Electric Power Group, the company provides community-based monitoring services utilizing IT and digital technologies. The new company name embodies Okinawa's "Yui" spirit and the corporate philosophy of valuing human connections fostered through technology.
Masaki Kawai, CEO of UNERI Inc., which builds ecosystems for social problem-solving startups, has been appointed as a "New Business Challenge Advisor" for Yamanashi Prefecture, leveraging his expertise in impact investing and public-private ecosystem building to contribute to regional revitalization.
Louis Vuitton has announced American Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu as its new House Ambassador. This collaboration embodies the Maison's values of excellence and bold spirit, symbolizing the grace, strength, and infinite creativity of the Louis Vuitton Woman.
Marshall Arts Technologies (MAT) has appointed martial artist Takeru Segawa as a new director. The company aims to leverage Mr. Segawa's experience and influence to drive growth in its sports DX business and enhance brand value.
Former Honest Career Recruit Co., Ltd. changed its name to "Brand New Co., Ltd." and relocated its office on April 1, 2026. Concurrently, Akiko Nakashima was appointed as a new director, and Representative Director Yuki Yoshida was appointed as a visiting lecturer at Seikei University's Faculty of Business Administration. The company aims to expand its business by strengthening its advertising agency and branding support in addition to its recruitment business.
The General Incorporated Association Long Spoon Association is celebrating its 5th anniversary by announcing a change in its representative director from founder Nobuyuki Hashimoto to current administrative director Hiroaki Kato. Under this new system, the "Food Ribbon Project" will accelerate its nationwide expansion. The project aims to expand to 1,000 stores and ultimately to all 18,545 public elementary school districts, and is currently undertaking a crowdfunding campaign to support this growth.
Social Welfare Corporation Ainomit in Sendai is recruiting a doctor for Ainomit Clinic to sustain its 10-bed medical respite care system, providing a vital lifeline for families of medically dependent individuals.
Mugen no Sora Co., Ltd., operator of Japan's largest drone training network, announced its instructor count has topped 100. To strengthen regional recruitment, it launched dedicated landing pages for its 18 branches, promoting its regional revitalization model using closed schools.
Shinwa Group is expanding its employee benefits starting April 2026, raising the childbirth bonus for a 3rd child to 3 million yen (3.8 million yen total for three children) to support families and secure talent in the construction industry.
KIKKAKE Creation has launched the 'KIKKAKE Talent OS for Gov' to address the severe shortage of cybersecurity talent in the public sector, appointing former Interpol executive Makoto Tanase as a strategic advisor.
STORES Inc. announces a new 'Business x Technology' role for 2028 graduates, seeking AI-native talent who cross boundaries between product and business. They will also hold an AI-driven Summer Internship in 2026.
Hoiku no Design Lab announced the appointment of Seijiro Yato, former professor at Wayo Women's University, as a new director, effective April 1, 2026. Mr. Yato, an expert in childcare, is expected to contribute to enhancing the quality of the company's training business for childcare professionals and strengthening its management.
Meiko Mirai, established to address the increasing number of students not attending school, has appointed Shoko Nakagawa as its ambassador. With her own experience of school non-attendance and ongoing activities to encourage children, she will support the creation of diverse learning environments and safe spaces for children. A commemorative event will also be held in Tokyo.
Misumi Group Inc. announced the appointment of Arata Shimizu as President and CEO effective April 1, 2026. The company aims to strengthen digital manufacturing through an AI platform.
T.T Saitama's official dance team, T.T Spinners, has announced its roster for the 2026-2027 season, with five returning members and the graduation of Rokutan.
Osaka Evessa has reached a basic agreement to renew its contract with Head Coach Hiroki Fujita for the 2026-27 season. The team aims to compete in the championship series and win the title in the inaugural B PREMIER season.
Itadaki Maratan / Ouchi de Maratan Co., Ltd. has signed a partnership agreement with Mio Otowa as their official PR and 'Sauna Meal' ambassador, aiming to establish Japanese-style Maratan as a new pillar of Japanese food culture.
Bambitious Nara has announced a contract agreement with Hiroyuki Ishibashi as head coach for the 2026-27 season. Ishibashi, entering his 7th season with the team, aims to lead them to the playoffs.
Yujiro Nozawa, President of Obaneya Co., Ltd. (Oyama, Tochigi), received the Order of the Rising Sun in the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations for his contributions to the food industry and international business development. The ceremony took place on May 13, 2026.
The Japan Legacy Gift Association and the Will for Japan Foundation have appointed Satoru Joraku, a co-founder of Sansan, as COO, and world-renowned authority Dr. Russell James as an advisor. They aim to accelerate the social circulation of an estimated 650 trillion yen in inherited assets.
Triforce Co., Ltd. announced that Professor Hidenori Kawamura of Hokkaido University, a leading figure in AI research and social implementation in Japan, was appointed as an advisor to both companies as of April 1, 2026. This appointment aims to strengthen the company's support system for businesses to utilize AI as a management resource, not just a tool.
Kento Oki, Representative of BoutiqueResidence&Co., has been appointed Project Incubator at Kyushu University BeCAT Graduate School starting April 2026. This appointment strengthens support for the commercialization of environment-themed architecture, design, and engineering projects formed within BeCAT.
The Japan Women's Ice Hockey National Team, 'SMILE JAPAN', has announced its new leadership: Tomohito Okubo as head coach, and Hanae Kubo and Jun Hanzawa as coaches. The new team will begin training camps in June and will compete in the Women's Asia Championship in October and the IIHF Women's World Championship in November.
Rrmy, a streamer affiliated with the e-sports team "REJECT," has been selected as a member of the Japanese national roster for the "Overwatch World Cup 2026." Online qualifiers will take place from May 29th to 31st, where Japan will compete against South Korea, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.
Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide Co., Ltd. announced new HR initiatives for fiscal year 2026, including an average 5.3% wage increase and more holidays for all employees. Additionally, the company is introducing a 'Dynamic Step Program' for merit-based promotions, allowing talented individuals to advance regardless of seniority, and a 'Recharge System' to offer re-challenge opportunities for managers. These measures aim to enhance employee engagement and strengthen talent acquisition and development as the company pursues its goal of becoming a global hotel chain.
The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2026 has announced its official judges for the Animation Division: musician and writer Ayaka Wada, animation director Yusuke Hirota, and Digital Hollywood founder Tomoyuki Sugiyama. This division, sponsored by Digital Hollywood, selects works that are candidates for nomination at the Academy Awards.
COLLECTORS UNIVERSE JAPAN, the Japanese subsidiary of the trading card authentication and grading service "PSA," announced the appointment of Hiroshi Asaeda as its new Representative Executive Officer and President, effective April 1, 2026. Asaeda, with extensive experience in IT and startups, will drive the healthy development of the trading card market and the penetration of grading culture.
Rubina Software Japan has announced the appointment of Hirofumi Yamazaki as its new Representative Director and President & CDO, effective March 20, 2026. Yamazaki brings extensive experience in CRM and DX promotion. The company aims to strengthen its end-to-end service delivery, from upstream consulting to development and operations, in the Japanese market where DX investment and business process reform are accelerating.
Soichiro Matsushima, CEO of IGSA Inc., will serve as a DX Promotion Advisor for Kita City from April 2026, leading the city's AI implementation and governance initiatives.
ispace-U.S., the American subsidiary of the lunar exploration startup ispace, announced its appointment to the board of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF), strengthening its presence in the US space industry.
Hokuto City, Hokkaido, is recruiting experienced professionals, civil engineers, and public health nurses, allowing for mid-year employment. With the introduction of SPI3, special civil service exam preparation is not required, and the earliest start date is August 1, Reiwa 8 (2026).
Haruto Tachikawa, a second-year student in the soccer club at Niigata University of Health and Welfare, has been approved as a "2026 JFA・J-League Special Designated Player." This is an exceptional case for a second-year student nationwide. Tachikawa is slated to join Kyoto Sanga F.C. from January 2029, and this approval allows him to participate in official J-League matches while still enrolled at the university.
Leverages Co., Ltd. introduced the online pill prescription service 'mederi for biz' to improve the health and productivity of female employees. An internal survey showed that menstruation negatively impacts work performance for about 4.4 days a month.
GMO Internet Group announced that 5 directors earned over 100 million yen in FY2025. Demonstrating highly transparent management, the company also revealed strategic investments in AI talent, including a 7.1M yen starting salary program.
DAMDEE TOKYO Inc. will introduce an industry-first salary system from April 2026, offering up to 45% commission for full-time employees, aiming to raise the average stylist salary to 800,000 yen.
FastLabel Inc. announces its full-scale entry into the physical AI market, establishing a new 'Robotics AI Business Division'. The division provides end-to-end consulting and technology development for robot foundation models and VLA data pipelines.
Six Keikyu Taxi Group companies under the newmo group have been rebranded and launched as 'Umikaze Kotsu Co., Ltd.' starting April 1, 2026, revealing a new logo and website.
Nikken Razor Co., Ltd. (Seki City, Gifu) announced that Seijun Kumada has been appointed as the new President as of May 20, 2026. The company aims to accelerate its expansion into new markets while maintaining its 70-year-old 'art of cutting' technology.
Osaka Evessa has announced that it has mutually agreed to terminate the contract with Matt Bonds, who will be leaving the team. He was placed on the free agent list as of May 26.
To accommodate its growing assets under management and organizational diversification, Global Brain has implemented a new functional organizational structure and title system as of 2026. The firm has clearly delineated the roles of General Partner (GP) for investment responsibility and Managing Partner (MP) for operational executive responsibility to elevate governance and portfolio support.
AI transformation company iKala announced that Co-founder and Chairman Sega Cheng has been named the sole 2026 recipient of the Jeffrey Koo Fellowship. The award honors individuals contributing to international exchange, recognizing Cheng's efforts in strengthening US-Taiwan ties and advancing AI infrastructure.
Yokohama Excellence announced contract renewals for Hirotaka Ohashi for the 2026-27 season and a multi-year contract for Yusuke Sugiyama through the 2027-28 season.
Megane Super held its entry ceremony for the 2026 fiscal year, welcoming 123 new graduates, of which 40 are high school graduates, reflecting the company's commitment to youth development.
Chuo Gumi (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) announced in May 2026 the continued employment of a 92-year-old staff member. Moving beyond general site support, the employee will now serve as a 'missionary' to transfer skills and wisdom to younger staff, providing a pioneering solution to the industry's skilled labor shortage.
Yokohama Excellence has officially announced the contract renewal of Head Coach Ryuji Kawai for the 2026-27 season.
B.League's Seahorses Mikawa has announced the contract extension of player #11 Yoshiaki Kubota. He will remain with the team through the 2026-27 season as the club aims for the championship title.
Professional basketball team Shimane Susanoo Magic has announced the contract renewal of forward Shunsuke Ueda for the 2026-27 B.LEAGUE season.
Sint-Truidense Voetbalvereniging (STVV) of the Belgian First Division announced that manager Wouter Vrancken will step down at the end of the 2025-2026 season upon the expiration of his contract. Vrancken leaves a legacy of historic success, including a 3rd-place finish and qualification for European competition. His successor is expected to be announced soon.
Star Comgistics announced a full re-election of directors for its subsidiary, Xiamen Tsann Kuen Enterprise, due to term expiration, effective May 22, 2026.
Kobayashi Romu has finalized its new executive structure following the annual general meeting of shareholders and board meeting held on May 21, 2026.
CPDC (China Petrochemical Development Corp.) announced the resignation of Chairman Chen Rui-long, effective June 1, 2026. A successor will be announced following a Board of Directors' decision.
Foxtron Vehicle Technologies announced the reappointment of Vice Chairman Tso Tzu-sheng by its Board of Directors.
嘉裕 has refreshed the members of its 6th 'Compensation Committee' following the re-election at the shareholders' meeting.
GeneReach Biotech completed a full board re-election at its annual general meeting on May 22, 115, and appointed Chen Hui-E (representing Kao-Yu Enterprise) as the new Chairperson.
Nichidenbo announced the by-election of Mr. Zheng Wenzong of WT Microelectronics as a director for the 14th term, effective May 22, 2026.
Nichidenbo announced the resignation of its Chairman and Vice Chairman, appointing Mr. Zheng Wenzong as the new Chairman.
Singer-songwriter and music creator Ken Kamikita has announced his affiliation with our organization, signaling his intent to actively work as a composer alongside his solo artist career.
JETRO announced it will recruit over 20 professionals for general and promotion roles through En Japan's 'Social Impact Recruitment Project'. Applications are open from May 21 to June 17, 2026, aimed at leveraging diverse expertise to address complex global economic challenges.
Fortune Food has conducted a full re-election of its board upon expiration of terms, electing Hong Yao-Kun as Chairman and Hong Chun-Lin as Vice Chairman.
BottoK Co., Ltd., based in Fukuoka and Saga, has appointed Kenta Ogura, former business planner at LINE AI Company, as Director to strengthen AI Transformation (AX) support for regional SMEs. The company provides hands-on support for generative AI integration and field-level adoption to address labor shortages and enhance productivity.
Marriage agency Presia has begun nationwide recruitment for counselor positions (contract employment) starting May 12, 2026, aiming to expand its community-based physical stores. They are hiring for two roles: a store launch course and an online counselor course, with a focus on personality regardless of experience.
Shimane Susanoo Magic has announced the contract renewals for four key players: #6 Hiroshi Kitagawa, #7 Anthony Sho Kaikawa, #11 Taichi Nakamura, and #22 Fumiya Iio. Each player expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season, signaling the team's commitment to strengthening its roster and building anticipation among fans.
abc Corporation announced the appointment of Hirofumi Kishi, Professor at Keio University Graduate School of Media Design and an expert in policy, industry, and international affairs, as an advisory consultant. This appointment aims to further strengthen the company's business strategy and external partnerships, particularly in its AI-specialized high-performance data center business, leveraging Mr. Kishi's extensive knowledge and network.
T.T Saitama announced the contract renewal of table tennis player Sho Sone for the 2026-2027 season. Sone recorded 10 wins and 8 losses in singles, and 1 win and 1 loss in doubles. He expressed his intention to play this season with 'challenge' as his theme.
Lancôme, the global luxury beauty brand, has appointed actress Zoe Saldana as its new Global Ambassador. Through her diverse background and inner beauty, she will represent the brand's modern vision of femininity worldwide.
genOway, a French company specializing in preclinical models, has established a 100% subsidiary, genOway Japan. Dr. Hideki Hanaoka has been appointed as CEO to strengthen the company's research and development support in the Japanese market.
The Japan Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) announced that Shinichi Ishihara was elected as the new chairman following the expiration of the previous chairman's term, taking office on April 1. His term will run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028.
Tokyo Electron Device Limited announced a change in its Representative Director and President effective April 1, 2026. Takashi Miyamoto has been appointed as the new President, while former President Atsushi Tokushige will assume the role of Representative Director, Chairman, and CEO.
Japan Expression Technology Research Institute (formerly Oekaki Movie Co., Ltd.) announced a new management structure, including a company name change due to business expansion and the appointment of Tadashi Hamagami as the new Representative Director and President. The company aims to leverage creators' diverse talents and match them with businesses to create new value.
Multibook Co., Ltd. has appointed model Hiromi Hikichi as the brand ambassador for its cloud-based ERP service, 'multibook'. She will promote the brand message 'No Borders, One Earth' through advertisements and events.
Ringrow, a company specializing in reused PCs, has introduced an "Executive Direct Interview" course for 2027 graduates. By eliminating resume screening and entry sheets, the company allows students to proceed directly to an interview with a board member after an initial HR talk. This initiative aims to let executives directly understand each student's potential and identify the best role for them within the company.
Tokushima Gambarous has announced the renewal of contracts with three medical and conditioning staff members for the 2026-27 season. The club remains committed to maintaining its medical and scientific support framework to enhance player performance and prioritize injury prevention.
World Gym Taiwan announced the newly elected directors and independent directors following the expiration of their terms on May 25, 2026. The board remains committed to stable management and professional oversight.
REJECT, an esports team operated by REJECT, Inc., announced that Oniya o-228 has been appointed as the Head of the Shadowverse division, ahead of the team's participation in the official professional league "Shadowverse Premier Series 26-27" starting in July 2026.
The Tokyo Great Bears have announced that Yuki Imahashi will join an overseas team on a loan transfer for the 2026-27 season. Details regarding the destination club will be announced later.
Lean on Me, provider of disability awareness e-learning, announces management expansion. Norito Nakano (CEO of eWeLL) joins as outside director, and Hidenori Fukushima joins as CFO to accelerate growth.
Chia Her Industrial Co., Ltd. has conducted a full board reelection due to the expiration of directors' terms. This change involves more than one-third of the board members, with newly appointed directors and independent directors taking office.
Otom International Photoelectric, a subsidiary of Kistone Global, has announced the re-election of its Board of Directors and Supervisors during the annual shareholders' meeting held on May 22, 115, due to term expiration.
BES Engineering has announced the appointment of three new members to the Audit Committee following the expiration of the previous members' terms.
BES Engineering passed a resolution at its board meeting on May 21, 2026, to reshuffle its Nomination Committee members due to the expiration of their terms, appointing four new members.
Femcare brand 'laugh.' (HQ: Toshima-ku, Tokyo) has announced the appointment of fitness trainer Risako Tanabe as its new brand ambassador. Through this partnership, the brand aims to promote delicate zone care as a fundamental daily self-care habit, aligning with Tanabe's philosophy of nurturing inner health and beauty.
Kazuma Ito, Representative Director and CEO of PoliPoli, has been appointed as Vice Chair of the 'Committee for Realizing Collaborative Capitalism' at the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai). The committee aims to foster collaboration between government, business, NPOs, and citizens to address societal challenges. PoliPoli intends to leverage its expertise in policy co-creation to contribute to practical discussions and policy proposals for achieving collaborative capitalism.
星巴克為推動精實營運，宣布在美國裁員300名非門市人力，並關閉部分地區支援辦公室。
台灣普利司通宣布關閉新竹廠並解僱551名員工，引發勞工團體及議員赴新竹縣政府陳情，要求保障勞工權益。
Hiroki Yamashita, a writer and former Ground Self-Defense Force General, has begun distributing a newsletter on "theLetter," a stock-type writing platform for professionals and experts. He will provide detailed explanations on Japan's security relations, international affairs, analysis of wars and strategies, and insights into modern weaponry. This move further enhances theLetter's offering of highly specialized content.
Kinnotake Co., Ltd. announced the appointment of two foreign managers at its 364-year-old ryokan 'Matsuzakaya Honten' in Hakone. Chosen based on merit and trust rather than nationality, they aim to enhance services for the growing inbound tourist market.
VALX has signed athlete contracts with pro baseball pitchers Kenta Maeda and Sachiya Yamasaki. They will act as brand ambassadors to promote the value of training and nutrition under the concept 'Authenticity Loved by Professionals.'
US youth culture media giant Complex is launching its Japan edition. Yuki Abe, former EIC of Hypebeast Japan, takes the helm, rolling out platforms and events starting June 2026.
Circlace Inc. has hired an AI agent employee named 'AGENA' to work as an exceptional sales representative for their SaaS solution 'AGAVE'. By utilizing its 24/7 availability and high learning capabilities, the company aims to triple its performance.
FRONTEO has appointed Toshiharu Tanaka, former Head of Economic Security at Sumitomo Heavy Industries, as an Advisor to bolster its practical consulting and 'KIBIT Seizu Analysis' AI solutions for corporate supply chain risk management.
Monolith Law Office, specializing in IT and legal tech, expands its team to 30 lawyers by welcoming 6 new graduates in April 2026. This move strengthens their support for cross-border law, AI governance, and D2C market compliance.
Charmap Inc. has started recruiting event staff on the professional SNS 'YOUTRUST'. The position requires no specific skills, emphasizing a 'gal mind' of loving people and livening up the atmosphere.
Schoo Inc. resolved to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, LoLLL Co., Ltd., in April 2026. Aimed at solving regional labor shortages and organizational challenges, LoLLL will offer migration/job change support, AI-driven HR BPO, and training services.
Schoo Inc. will establish 'LoLLL Inc.' in April 2026 as a wholly owned subsidiary to provide comprehensive HR services, including migration support and HR development, aiming to solve regional labor shortages.
Fire Kids, a leader in vintage watches, has appointed comedian and YouTuber Hiroyuki Miyasako as its official brand ambassador. Miyasako, whose YouTube content inspired the current owner to enter the watch industry, is welcomed as the brand's 'Second Parent.'