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Open-Ended Aircraft Fund Completes First Closing

Mercuria Investment and Airborne Capital have completed the first closing of their new open-ended aircraft fund, "Mach OE," with the Development Bank of Japan as the anchor investor. The fund aims for a final asset size of approximately 150 billion yen.

Source: prtimes.jp

Abitus Launches Free Trial Lecture for "AAIA" AI Audit Certification Course

Abitus, a provider of international qualification courses, has started free trial lectures for its upcoming "AAIA" (Advanced in AI Audit) certification course, certified by ISACA. The course aims to develop professionals who can manage the new risks associated with the spread of generative AI.

Source: prtimes.jp

Call for Entries for the 12th Sustainable Campus Award: Showcasing University SDGs, Decarbonization, and Student-Led Initiatives Nationwide

The Council for Sustainable Campus Promotion (CAS-Net JAPAN) has begun accepting applications for the 12th Sustainable Campus Award, which recognizes outstanding sustainability activities at universities. The award covers diverse initiatives such as decarbonization and student-led projects, aiming to promote sustainable campuses by sharing best practices nationwide.

Source: prtimes.jp

The "Definitive Edition" Long-Awaited by Agave Lovers Worldwide Finally Arrives in Japan! "AGAVES," a Complete Guide to Wild and Cultivated Varieties with 980 Stunning Photos and In-Depth Commentary, to be Released on May 20.

Nihon Bungeisha will release the complete Japanese translation of "AGAVES," a monumental work by world-renowned experts Jeremy Spath and Jeff Moore, on May 20, 2026. This definitive "bible" for enthusiasts features 980 photos and detailed commentary, making it an essential guide for everyone from beginners to collectors.

Source: prtimes.jp

Participation in PRI 20th Anniversary Ceremony and Symposium

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management participated in the PRI 20th Anniversary Ceremony and Symposium in Tokyo, where President Takahiro Kobayashi rang the bell at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and spoke on a panel, reaffirming the company's commitment to responsible investment.

Source: prtimes.jp

Dell Technologies Provides Mazda with 'Dell PowerScale' as New Storage Foundation for Automotive Development, Reducing Storage Cost Per Unit Capacity to One-Tenth

Mazda has adopted Dell Technologies' PowerScale storage solution to unify its automotive development and CAD data. This has resulted in a tenfold reduction in storage cost per unit capacity and prepares a foundation for future AI applications.

Source: prtimes.jp

"Don't Just End with a Business Card Exchange": Textbook on Trade Show Booth Design Released, Revealing the Secret to Increasing Business Deals with Diagnostic Content

on the bakery Co., Ltd. has released a white paper detailing how to increase business negotiation rates at trade shows using its "Croissant" marketing tool. It explains methods for engaging visitors and effectively capturing and nurturing leads with online gachas and diagnostic content, moving beyond simple business card exchanges.

Source: prtimes.jp

Redcliff to Exhibit at the 11th Japan Drone 2026, Held June 3-5

Drone show company Redcliff Inc. will exhibit at the 11th Japan Drone 2026, one of Japan's largest drone exhibitions, at Makuhari Messe. They will showcase case studies on regional revitalization, display actual drones, and introduce their STEAM education initiatives.

Source: prtimes.jp

bitFlyer Announced as Title Sponsor for WebX2026 Conference

Major Japanese cryptocurrency exchange bitFlyer has been named the title sponsor for WebX2026, a large-scale Asian Web3 conference scheduled for July 2026 in Tokyo. This partnership aims to leverage bitFlyer's expertise to foster deeper collaboration and discussion within the global Web3 market.

Source: prtimes.jp

U-NEXT Begins Exclusive Advance Streaming of 'Our Anaconda'! Witness a Grand Adventure of Love and Laughter by Middle-Aged Movie Geeks! The Entire 'Anaconda' Series Also Available.

The streaming service U-NEXT has started exclusive advance streaming of 'Our Anaconda,' a comedy film starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd about two middle-aged movie fans remaking the classic film 'Anaconda.' The entire original 'Anaconda' series is also available on the platform.

Source: prtimes.jp

Series Surpasses 1.6 Million Copies in Total Circulation! 'I Reincarnated as a Heroine on the Brink of a Bad End, but I'm Trying to Find Love in This Life, and Now My Overpowered Brother Won't Leave Me Alone!?'

The light novel series 'I Reincarnated as a Heroine on the Brink of a Bad End...' published by TO Books has surpassed 1.6 million copies sold. The popular magic academy fantasy is also being developed into various media, including a manga, drama CD, stage play, and an upcoming anime adaptation.

Source: prtimes.jp

DKB Releases 3rd Concert Highlight DVD in Japan Today

The K-pop group DKB has released their third concert DVD in Japan, 'DKB The 3rd Concert in Japan 2026 -Vanguard- : Highlight Edition,' today. Fan events to commemorate the release and a separate fan concert are also scheduled for late May.

Source: prtimes.jp

UR Agency to Hold On-site Study Tour for Students to Support Fukushima's Disaster-Affected Area Recovery

The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) is hosting a free study tour for students to visit Fukushima's nuclear disaster-affected areas to learn about and contribute to the region's recovery. This year-long project includes a site visit, collaborative development of revitalization plans with locals, and the implementation of those plans.

Source: prtimes.jp

The "GAORA Derby" on May 26, 27, 28: Complete Live Broadcast of the 3-Game Interleague Series "Hanshin vs. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham," Featuring an Exclusive Interview with Torai Fushimi

GAORA SPORTS will provide a complete live broadcast of the three-game interleague series between the Hanshin Tigers and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters from May 26-28, dubbed the "GAORA Derby," which will also feature an exclusive interview with catcher Torai Fushimi.

Source: prtimes.jp

AI Shopping App 'PLUG' Surpasses 3 Million Downloads

The AI shopping app 'PLUG' has exceeded 3 million downloads. The company views this as a starting point for the era of 'Agentic Commerce,' where AI handles the entire shopping process, aiming to solve the inefficiency of users comparing products widely but ultimately buying from a single familiar online mall.

Source: prtimes.jp

RAN Releases "Equator Principles Fact Sheet"

The environmental NGO RAN has released a fact sheet alleging that MUFG and Mizuho may be non-compliant with the Equator Principles and their own policies in their financing of the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, citing a lack of stakeholder engagement with Indigenous communities.

Source: prtimes.jp

One in Four People Chose This 'Fated Wood' for Their Natural Wood Business Card Holder — An Analysis of Over 2,000 Sales in 2 Years

An analysis of over 2,000 sales by the natural wood business card holder brand 'KIMAGURE' found that Walnut was the most popular wood type, accounting for 24.7% of sales. While Tokyo had the highest absolute sales, prefectures like Fukui showed the highest purchase rate per capita, revealing a strong base of 'hidden fans' in regional areas.

Source: prtimes.jp

AlphaDrive Redefines Business Development Talent for the AI Era as "AX Architects," Releases White Paper "The Implementation Theory of AX Architects"

AlphaDrive has defined a new role, the "AX Architect," for business development in the AI era, combining business architect skills with unique AI capabilities to achieve transformative impact. The company has released a white paper detailing this concept and its implementation.

Source: prtimes.jp

Kirishima Shuzo, Starbucks, Miyakonojo City, and more trees Launch New Initiative for the 'Miyakonojo Resource Circulation Forest Project (ODEN)'

Kirishima Shuzo, Starbucks, Miyakonojo City, and more trees have launched a new initiative for their 'Miyakonojo Resource Circulation Forest Project (ODEN),' starting sales of an 'ODEN Stool' made from local wood. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to reforestation efforts in the city.

Source: prtimes.jp

Case Study Released on Comprehensive Care DX Implementation, from Subsidy Utilization to Operational Integration

BCC Inc. has published a case study on its digital transformation (DX) support for the 'Excelsior Hadano' nursing home. The project utilized subsidies to implement monitoring equipment and ICT systems, providing end-to-end support from network setup to operational integration to solve issues of staff shortages and operational burdens.

Source: prtimes.jp

[August 1 Release] Hit Series "The Beloved Daughter of a Villainous Family, Reincarnated as a Yakuza Lady in an Otome Game" with Anime Adaptation in Progress to Release New Novel & Manga Volumes Simultaneously! Series Surpasses 400,000 Copies!

TO Books announces the simultaneous release of the latest novel and manga volumes for the popular series "The Beloved Daughter of a Villainous Family," which has an anime adaptation in the works, on August 1, 2026. The press release also highlights other upcoming titles and anime news.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Guttori's Summer Travel Plan] Create Unforgettable Summer Memories with Spring Japan!

The travel booking site 'Good Trip Express' has announced limited-time summer package tours following the addition of new Spring Japan flights on the Narita-Hakodate, Chubu-Shin-Chitose, and Narita-Shin-Chitose routes. These tours offer affordable travel to popular destinations like Hokkaido, Narita, and the Chubu region.

Source: prtimes.jp

First Grand Prix Winner of '2026 Miss Amazake' Decided at Final Selection Event; A Joint Project with Bishoujo Zukan, Known for Producing Stars like Fumi Nikaido

The final selection for '2026 Miss Amazake' was held, crowning Ai Shirai as the first Grand Prix winner. This new project, a collaboration between the Miss SAKE association and Bishoujo Zukan, aims to cultivate next-generation ambassadors to promote Japanese traditional culture through amazake.

Source: prtimes.jp

Val研究所 to Exhibit at "Kyushu Innovation WEEK"

Val研究所, provider of the "Eki-spert" route search service, will exhibit at Kyushu Innovation WEEK in June 2026, showcasing its MaaS solutions like "mixway Package" to support local governments and companies in solving regional transportation challenges.

Source: prtimes.jp

FY2025 Performance Report | playknot Inc.

Creative technology company playknot Inc. reported its fiscal year 2025 results, showcasing eight key projects with major clients like Toyota and Citizen, highlighting their expertise in AR/XR, 3DCG, and SNS promotions.

Source: prtimes.jp

Tokyo Metro to Exhibit New Technologies and Services Cultivated from Railway Operation Know-How at the 2nd Railway Technology Exhibition Osaka 2026!

Tokyo Metro will showcase its technologies and services, developed through its railway operation expertise, at the 2nd Railway Technology Exhibition Osaka 2026. The exhibits are divided into five categories, including maintenance support and passenger service improvement, aiming to contribute to the infrastructure industry.

Source: prtimes.jp

Riken Technos and Tohoku University Jointly Study Recycling Method for PVC Coating Material Used in Automotive Wire Harnesses

Riken Technos and Tohoku University are jointly developing an advanced recycling technology for the PVC coating used in automotive wire harnesses. This new wet separation method recovers high-purity PVC and has successfully been used to re-compound material with up to 40% recycled content that maintains properties equivalent to new products.

Source: prtimes.jp

Announcement of Kasumi Kamishikidai Store Opening

Kasumi Co., Ltd. will open its "Kasumi Kamishikidai" store on May 22, 2026. The new store is a rebranding of a former Seibu store and will combine the strengths of both brands, continuing to offer beloved local products.

Source: prtimes.jp

Nagoya Takashimaya Proposes Multi-Layered UV Care with "Umbrella Fes," Featuring the Largest Selection in the Tokai Region

Nagoya Takashimaya is expanding its "Umbrella Fes," offering the largest selection of parasols in the Tokai region. In response to intense heat, the event proposes a multi-layered UV protection strategy of "carrying, wearing, and applying," featuring high-performance umbrellas, hats, and cooling cosmetics.

Source: prtimes.jp

Cainz Announces Its Most Popular Original Products of 2025

Home improvement retailer Cainz has announced the four winning original products for 2025 in its internal 'CAINZ of the year' awards: Zipper Bags, a Snack Series, 'Zeitaku Sozai Gohan' premium dog food, and Fatigue Recovery Support Wear.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Lec] [Guronsan] "Guronsan Yojinbo®" TV Commercial Begins Airing!

Lec Inc. will begin airing a new TV commercial for "Guronsan Yojinbo®" on May 16, 2026, featuring the legendary actor Toshiro Mifune, resurrected using AI technology. The black-and-white commercial, reminiscent of the film "Yojimbo," aims to appeal to a wide range of generations.

Source: prtimes.jp

Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, and iTEC Hankyu Hanshin to Jointly Exhibit at the "2nd Mass-Trans Innovation Japan Osaka 2026" - Showcasing New Rolling Stock and Next-Generation Railway Systems Utilizing Digital Technology

Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, and iTEC Hankyu Hanshin will jointly exhibit at the 2nd Mass-Trans Innovation Japan Osaka 2026, showcasing new train models, next-generation railway systems using AI, and environmental initiatives.

Source: prtimes.jp

J-Stream Launches Campaign to "Bulk Convert Your Documents into Videos" with AI

J-Stream Inc. has launched a promotional campaign for its AI-powered video generation service, "EQ Presentation Cloud," offering new subscribers significantly increased video generation counts and storage capacity to encourage the conversion of existing presentation materials into video content.

Source: prtimes.jp

'Leben Wako THE GRANDE' Announces Complete Sell-Out of All Units

The 'Leben Wako THE GRANDE' condominium in Wako City, Saitama, a joint project by Takara Leben, Tokyo Tatemono, and Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate, has successfully sold all 304 of its units. The development is notable for its large scale and inclusion of a disaster preparedness stocking service for residents.

Source: prtimes.jp

Toward Flexible Policy Design Not Limited to Meal Subsidies

Kort Valuta Inc. is hosting a webinar on employee benefit programs that use points exchangeable for e-money. This approach, based on the concept of a "third type of wage increase," aims to improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Source: prtimes.jp

Give Thanks at the Dinner Table with Domestic Eel for Father's Day

Manraku Co., Ltd. has launched a promotion for Father's Day 2026, suggesting domestically produced eel as a gift. Their official online shop offers special products, gift options, and limited-time discounts to help families express their gratitude over a special meal.

Source: prtimes.jp

NIPPN to Hold the 9th "Food and Swimming Class"

NIPPN Corporation will co-host the 9th "NIPPN Food and Swimming Class" with the Japan Swimming Federation on May 31, 2026, featuring Olympians Kyoko Iwasaki and Keita Sunama as guest instructors for about 50 young swimmers.

Source: prtimes.jp

FP Consulting to Sponsor the Oh Sadaharu Legacy Project

FP Consulting Co., Ltd. has become an official sponsor of the "FUKUOKA OH SADAHARU LEGACY PROJECT" initiated by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, aligning with the project's goal of passing on value to the next generation through sports.

Source: prtimes.jp

FDA Announces Fuel Surcharge for Tickets Issued in June 2026

Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) has determined the fuel surcharge for tickets issued in June 2026. Due to a sharp rise in fuel market prices, the airline has revised its surcharge table, but the final applied amount has been reduced thanks to a government subsidy.

Source: prtimes.jp

AEON PET to Exhibit at 'Laketown Disaster Prevention Fest 2026' on May 23-24

AEON PET will participate in the 'Laketown Disaster Prevention Fest 2026' to raise awareness about disaster preparedness for pets. Their booth will feature a 'doctor car,' disaster goods, and practical, interactive events focusing on issues like pet odor during evacuations and essential training.

Source: prtimes.jp

[Drastically Reduce Initial Costs] ¥0 Product Down Payment! Robot Bank Launches "Spring Introduction Support Campaign" ~ Featuring an Industry-First 3-Year "Peace of Mind Replace Guarantee" for Easy Upgrades ~

Robot Bank Co., Ltd. has launched a "Spring Introduction Support Campaign" to encourage robot adoption for the new fiscal year. The campaign includes a plan with a ¥0 product down payment and a 3-month trial, a 3-year free replacement guarantee, and the issuance of certificates for tax incentives.

Source: prtimes.jp

Author of "Kobikicho no Adauchi" Pens a Meiji-Era Human Drama and Ghost Story: New Novel "Meguru Ito: A Meiji Romance Ghost Story" by Naoki Prize Winner Sayako Nagai to be Released!

Naoki Prize-winning author Sayako Nagai's latest novel, "Meguru Ito: A Meiji Romance Ghost Story," will be released on May 20, 2026. The story is a human-interest mystery set in Meiji-era Tokyo, following an unlikely pair—a university student who can see ghosts and a nobleman's son passionate about spiritual research—as they solve mysterious incidents.

Source: prtimes.jp