200 articles
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2026. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike wrote a piece praising Takaichi for breaking the long-standing "iron ceiling" in Japanese politics. This achievement is seen as a significant step towards a society where women can fully develop their potential.
A.D.Works Co., Ltd.'s renovation of "U square Takadanobaba" has been featured in a collection of case studies by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism aimed at promoting value-up renovations of small and medium-sized buildings. The flexible office project was recognized for addressing social issues, acquiring LEED® O+M GOLD certification, and demonstrating a versatile model for enhancing both social impact and real estate value.
The second "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers," organized by Ehon Navi and Kodansha, is re-launching its call for submissions on April 14, 2026. This innovative award seeks to break down barriers by accepting entries not only as traditional picture books but also in diverse formats like video, illustrations, and songs. It emphasizes reader participation in judging and offers multiple debut opportunities for creators.
Spiral Inc.'s low-code development platform, "SPIRAL ver.1," has received the "LEADER" award for "Low-code Development Tools" (19th consecutive) and "No-code Web Database" (20th consecutive) at the ITreview Grid Award 2026 Spring. The platform is praised for its security, ease of use, and speed in developing web applications for customer engagement and operational efficiency across various industries.
Kokoromil Co., Ltd.'s "eclat," Japan's first completely disposable, 7-day continuous monitoring patch-type Holter electrocardiograph, has received a commendation in the social activity field from the Furukawa Medical and Welfare Equipment Promotion Foundation. The award recognizes "eclat" for its significant contributions to labor-saving in healthcare and reducing patient burden, addressing urgent issues like healthcare professional shortages and work style reforms in Japan. The device's rapid adoption and innovative features, such as its cordless design and mail-in return system, have been highly praised.
Yoshiyuki Tabata, Chief OSS Consultant at Hitachi, has been awarded the TAGGIE Award by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) for his significant contributions to international security standardization in AI and cloud-native fields. His work includes leading IAM white paper development, fostering APAC security communities, and promoting secure AI utilization through technologies like Keycloak. Hitachi's commitment to AI security is further demonstrated by its membership in the Agentic AI Foundation and its development of the HMAX solution group.
Onko Chishin Co., Ltd. held its first "Regional Co-creation Award" on April 1, 2026, to share and celebrate co-creation practices with local communities across all its facilities. The award recognizes initiatives that contribute to "Realizing Rich Local Communities" by discovering and delivering regional charms and resources. Three projects received awards for their innovative and sustainable regional collaborations.
"MEO Dashboard byGMO," a store DX management tool by GMO TECH, has achieved a historic 20 consecutive "Leader" awards in the MEO category at the ITreview Grid Award 2026 Spring, also winning the SNS Management category for the 14th time. The award recognizes the tool's strengths in centrally managing multiple stores, handling customer reviews, AI assistance, and its user-friendly dashboard design. GMO TECH plans to continue enhancing the service to support businesses with effective customer acquisition strategies.
LOJEL has announced its achievement of B Corporation certification, joining a global movement dedicated to reshaping business for the benefit of people and the planet. This certification by B Lab confirms LOJEL's high standards in social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability, aligning with their commitment to purpose beyond profit.
Dream Arts' SmartDB, a cloud service for large enterprises, has been recognized as a "Leader" in three categories for the 16th consecutive term at the "ITreview Grid Award 2026 Spring." It is the only SaaS to achieve this distinction in the No-Code Web Database, Workflow System, and Document Management System categories, highlighting its strong user satisfaction and market recognition.
Rewire Inc. has been promoted to 'Shopify Premier Partner,' the highest tier in the Shopify Partner Program, recognizing its technical expertise and contribution to the EC market. The company recently integrated ECPower into its group and launched 'App Unity ConnectOS' to provide unified commerce infrastructure.
Asmarq Inc.'s attendance and seating management tool, 'SekiNavi,' has received the highest honor, the 'Leader' award, for the first time in the Seating Management System category at ITreview's Grid Award 2026 Spring. This award recognizes its high customer satisfaction and market recognition, praised for its intuitive usability, efficiency in reducing communication waste, and supportive customer service. 'SekiNavi' is designed to foster smooth internal collaboration in modern hybrid work environments.
F-Code Inc. announces that its tool 'KaiU' has won the <Leader Award> in the Web Customer Service Tool category at the 'ITreview Grid Award 2026 Spring'. This award recognizes products with high recognition and customer satisfaction, marking KaiU's seventh consecutive win. The article also provides details about F-Code's business, which focuses on marketing technology and AI/technology support.
C-System Co., Ltd.'s "AI JIMY Paperbot," a data entry automation tool integrating AI OCR and RPA, has been awarded the highest rating "Leader" at the "ITreview Grid Award 2026 Spring." This recognition is based on approximately 157,000 reviews, highlighting high customer satisfaction and product recognition. The company aims to make AI as commonplace as stationery, striving to become Japan's largest AI business automation platform for back-office operations.
Asuiku, Inc., operator of the temporary childcare services "Asuiku" and "Wakuiku," won the "Kiraboshi Bank Award" at the "NIKKEI THE PITCH GROWTH 2025-2026" pitch contest. The company was recognized for its innovative business model, which creates a new market for experience-based temporary childcare and allows parents to take a break without guilt while their children have enriching experiences. Asuiku plans to expand its services nationwide, introducing features like point systems and gift cards to make temporary childcare more accessible.
岐阜県飛騨市が、一般社団法人 美食都市研究会より「美食都市アワード2026」を受賞しました。この賞は、生産者・飲食店・市民が一体となった食のまちづくりや、豊かな食材、地域課題を交流資源に変える独自の仕組みが高く評価されたものです。飛騨市は岐阜県内初の受賞であり、東海エリアでは2件目となります。
The professional basketball team Chiba Jets has set a new B.League record by becoming the fastest to reach a cumulative 1.5 million home game spectators. They continue to maintain an average attendance of over 10,000 even after moving to LaLa Arena TOKYO-BAY for the 2024-25 season, aiming to be the first B.League team to achieve 300,000 annual spectators.
Canadian picture book author Jon Klassen has been awarded the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, often called the 'Nobel Prize of children's literature.' His works, known for exploring ownership and morality with subtle humor, invite readers to contemplate their place in the universe. The jury praised Klassen's elegant and profound storytelling, which encourages readers to become co-creators.
HappyLifeCreators Inc.'s GUIDE01, the world's smallest and lightest smart display, has won the Excellence Award in the General Category of the 38th SME Excellent New Technology and New Product Award. This innovative device, weighing only 10g, attaches to any eyewear to project navigation, AI translation, transcription, and notifications, transforming ordinary glasses into smart glasses without the need for specialized corrective lenses. The award recognizes its contribution to promoting technological development among SMEs and its potential for industrial advancement.
ProShip has received the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon from the Japanese government for its 20-year consistent support of the Red Cross.
GUGA has announced the "GenAI HR Awards 2026" to recognize outstanding human capital strategies in the generative AI era. Entries from the corporate, education, and public sectors will be accepted starting July 1, 2026. The awards aim to share knowledge and promote the social implementation of generative AI as it transitions into a practical workforce.
AWA, a subscription-based music streaming service, announced its top 30 most supported artists for the week of April 6th to April 12th, 2026. &TEAM secured the top spot, followed by Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Arashi. The ranking reflects high fan anticipation for &TEAM's upcoming EP release and AWA listening parties.
Studyplus Co., Ltd. announced the winners of the 'Studyplus for School Award 2026,' recognizing 71 educational institutions across 7 categories for their efforts in addressing challenges in the education sector.
honto, a hybrid bookstore operated by Dai Nippon Printing, Maruzen Junkudo, Bunkyodo, and 2Dfacto, has announced the winners of its first 'honto and Everyone Chooses! The Truly Recommended Untapped Comic Awards.' The Grand Prize was awarded to 'I'll Sell Books If I Have Them' (KADOKAWA). The awards aim to help readers discover new manga and are accompanied by special campaigns offering trial reading extensions and discount coupons.
EdTech startup Classroom Adventure won the top award at the Japan qualifier for ASU+GSV Summit 2026. They will compete in the global finals in San Diego in 2027.
Mrk&Co Co., Ltd. has released the results of the "D³ Awards 2026," highlighting top-rated restaurants for first dates based on actual user reviews from its matching app. The awards aim to help singles navigate the challenges of choosing the ideal setting for their first encounters by evaluating atmosphere, service, and food quality.
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that 24 Taiwanese startups will participate in the 2026 SelectUSA Tech competition in the US, with 8 of them advancing to the top 8 in various fields. This marks Taiwan's third consecutive year ranking first globally in the number of finalists. From 2022 to 2024, the MOEA has led 89 startups to the US, resulting in 11 global top-3 placements and NT$2.53 billion in international investments for 20 companies.
Owari Imoya Imokichi, a roasted sweet potato shop that has traveled nationwide without a permanent location, won the championship at the National Roasted Sweet Potato Grand Prix 2026. To meet the demands of its growing fan base, the shop will open its first permanent physical store in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, on April 19, 2026.
Taiwanese students achieved two silver and one bronze medal at the 15th European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad, securing a joint 13th place in the international rankings. Lu Peng-en from Tainan First Senior High School and Chang Yi-hsuan from Taipei Fuhsing Private High School both ranked 36th individually, earning silver medals. According to the Ministry of Education, these high-achieving students are eligible for recommended admission to university mathematics-related departments.
Kaohsiung City Youth Bureau has launched its music talent development brand "High-Speed Youth" program. The first wave of training courses brings together heavyweight instructors such as Golden Melody and Golden Bell Award winners, like Zheng Yu-chen, guitarist for the band Fire Extinguisher, and actress Lian Yu-han, offering six courses in pop music, film and television production, and performing arts. The program includes five core components: training courses, industry internships, music production, pilot projects, and exhibitions, aiming to deepen interdisciplinary integration, refine young people's creative energy, and turn them into industry assets. Courses will be held over three consecutive weekends starting from the 25th, with priority given to young people from Kaohsiung.
Saitama Prefecture has selected the first seven companies to be certified under its 'Saitama Sustainable Company Certification System,' established to promote sustainable management among small and medium-sized enterprises in the prefecture. These companies are engaged in high-level sustainable management with a 10-20 year outlook. An award ceremony will be held on April 20, 2026, at the Governor's Official Residence Conference Room, with Governor Motohiro Ohno in attendance. All certified companies received Gold certification, with no Platinum certifications this time.
The non-fiction manga 'Manga Ishibumi: When the Atomic Bomb Fell, We Looked at the Sky' published by Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. in July 2025, received the 55th Japan Cartoonists Association Award Grand Prize in the Manga Division. This work depicts the valuable records of first-year students of Hiroshima Second Junior High School who were annihilated by the atomic bomb, aiming to pass on war experiences. The original work is the children's book 'Ishibumi: Record of the Annihilation of Hiroshima Second Junior High School First-Year Students' published in 1970, based on a program 'Hi' broadcast nationwide by Hiroshima Television in 1969. The manga is drawn by Machio Same, respecting facts based on interviews with bereaved families.
Watahan Home Aid Co., Ltd.'s 'Mugen∞ Karaage Shoyu Aji' (Soy Sauce Flavor) won the Gold Award in the Central Japan Supermarket Delicatessen category at the 17th Karaage Grand Prix®, organized by the Japan Karaage Association. The product was renewed in 2025 to improve quality and is seasoned with a special sauce blending two types of carefully selected soy sauce and ginger. Named 'Mugen∞ Karaage' (Infinite Karaage) due to its 'infinitely edible' taste, the company aims for 'specialty store quality' karaage, planned and supervised by in-house chefs.
Needswell Co., Ltd. has been certified as a Gold Partner by ISTQB, an international software testing qualification and certification body. The company has continuously promoted ISTQB certifications and strengthened its software testing technology. This certification recognizes these efforts based on international standards. Needswell aims to further develop ISTQB certified engineers and achieve Platinum Partner certification.
Nisshin Fire & Marine Insurance's 'Insurance for Renting a Room' won first place in the household insurance category of the 'Price.com Insurance Award 2026 Edition' for the second consecutive year, announced on April 1, 2026. The product features generous personal liability coverage of 100 million yen and affordable premiums starting from 3,500 yen per year. The award is based on the number of contracts and applications from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Hotel Hewitt Koshien, operated by Core Global Management Co., Ltd., has received the 'Agoda Gold Circle Awards 2025' from the global online travel booking platform Agoda. This award recognizes excellent customer experience and operational quality, based on customer reviews, sales performance, and operational quality. The hotel is highly regarded for its prime location near Hanshin Koshien Stadium and convenient access to Osaka and Kobe areas, featuring 412 rooms and diverse dining options.
The winners of the 7th Presidential Innovation Award have been announced. Realtek Semiconductor Corporation and the Association for the Education and Culture of 1 in 4 Migrant Workers Taiwan won in the group category. Professor Hsiao Chu-chen and Honorary Chair Professor Wang Rong-der won in the individual category, and Wu Chun-hsiao, General Manager of U-data Inc., won in the youth category. The President will personally present the awards on April 28th.
Preferred Robotics received the "2025 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Innovation Award" for its business development centered on the autonomous mobile robot "Kachaka Pro" and its social implementation in various fields. Kachaka Pro features compact size, ease of use, and low cost, and is being introduced in manufacturing, logistics warehouses, medical institutions, and offices. In September 2025, the company will begin offering "Kachaka Fleet Manager," an integrated control system for multiple units, and has secured the No. 1 market share in Japan for AMR manufacturers. Preferred Robotics plans to launch the 100kg-payload "Kachaka Evo" in 2026.
The finalist list for the 2026 Golden Pin New Design Award has been announced, with 637 entries advancing to the final round to compete for awards including the annual Best Design Award. The newly added "Island Resilience Design Award" and "Cultural Sowing Design Award" encourage innovative designs addressing local characteristics and social issues, such as a medical kit for search and rescue dogs and interactive designs for exploring Taiwanese attractions.
Autodesk has been recognized for the second consecutive year in the architecture category of Fast Company's 'Most Innovative Companies 2026' for its efforts in preserving historical and cultural heritage through digital technology. The company's work on projects like the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral and the digital documentation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater was highly praised. This recognition underscores how Autodesk's technology not only shapes the future but also protects the past by enabling more advanced and sustainable preservation methods.
KIRINZ Inc. has announced the results of its "CanCam Tie-up Publication Audition vol. 6," aimed at discovering new talent. The top winners, including Grand Prix winner "Nico," have been awarded a feature in the popular fashion magazine 'CanCam'. The contest aims to find the next generation of trend-setting role models.
ohpner Inc. achieved the 3rd highest advertising handling volume for "TOKYO PRIME," Japan's largest taxi media operated by IRIS Inc., during the sales period of January-March 2026, in less than 1.5 years. ohpner began handling all advertising menus for "TOKYO PRIME" in November 2024, providing comprehensive support from creative production to ad distribution and performance measurement. TOKYO PRIME, operated by IRIS Inc. (a joint venture of GO Inc. and FreakOut Holdings Inc.), is installed in approximately 71,000 taxis nationwide.
Black Belt Global Venture Studio (BBV) has selected 12 startups from fields like AI, healthcare, and space for the "TOKYO SUTEAM" program, a Tokyo Metropolitan Government initiative. Chosen from over 70 applicants, these startups will receive support to launch businesses in Japan or adapt their technologies for the local market. A demo day is scheduled for June 8, 2026, to showcase their progress to investors and potential partners.
The Kamino Education Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation based in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, has announced its call for applications for two types of grants for educational and cultural activities for fiscal year 2026. One grant is open-themed for activities within the Higashi-Mikawa region, while the other is theme-specific, focusing on the history and culture of the Mikawa Port area. The application deadline for both grants is June 2, 2025.
NEC received two awards at the Salesforce Japan Partner Award 2026: "Japan Partner of the Year - Financial Services -" and "Japan Partner of the Year - Internal Use -". The Financial Services award recognized its advanced Salesforce solution proposal and implementation capabilities in the financial sector and its contribution to business expansion. The Internal Use award highly praised NEC Group's continuous promotion of sales DX through large-scale internal use of a combination of Salesforce products. NEC states that it will continue to contribute to customer business growth under its long-term collaboration system since the Salesforce resale agreement in 2008.
Softcreate Co., Ltd. has announced its acquisition of the "Microsoft Copilot" Specialization, Microsoft's top-tier partner certification. This recognition highlights Softcreate's extensive experience in implementing and supporting Microsoft 365 Copilot, focusing on practical application and measurable results for clients. The company's commitment to fostering a culture where working with AI is standard, along with its advanced technical expertise and successful client transformations, were key factors in achieving this prestigious certification.
Studist, Inc. has secured the top market share in Japan's manual creation and on-site training tool sector for FY2024, with its "Teachme Biz" system capturing 62.5% of the market by volume and 57.1% by value. The company attributes its success to the tool's on-site usability, significant time savings through AI features, and strong adoption by major manufacturing firms. The market is projected to grow 2.5 times by 2030, and Studist plans to continue leading by enhancing its AI capabilities and supporting lean operations for businesses.
WOWOW's planned and produced drama "The Man Who Carried the Voices of August" received the 34th (Reiwa 7th year) Hashida Award. Based on the true story of journalist Akihiko Ito, the drama, broadcast on NHK on August 13, 2025, explores the inheritance of atomic bomb experiences, war memories, and human dignity. This marks WOWOW's first Hashida Award.
Eikei University announced that its entrance examination initiatives were selected as one of nine national model cases in the "Collection of Good Practices in University Entrance Examinations for FY2024" published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The university's "Comprehensive Selection (Spring Enrollment)" was highly praised for promoting high school-university articulation reform, including collaboration with high schools. This selection method emphasizes proactive learning motivation based on high school learning and experience, facilitating a smooth transition to university education.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded the "Friendship Diplomacy Medal" to Ingrīda Circene, Chair of the Latvian Parliament's Taiwan Friendship Group, in recognition of her long-standing support for Taiwan's international participation. Circene strongly advocated for Taiwan's involvement in organizations like the WHO and ICAO, and expanded the Friendship Group to 24 members. Taiwan and Latvia share democratic, free, and rule-of-law values, contributing to the development of bilateral relations.
An employee of H.I.S. Co., Ltd. (HIS) received the "Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation" from the Korean government. Mr. Yamada has contributed to sending Japanese tourists to Korea and expanding tourism exchange between Japan and Korea for many years, helping achieve 3.65 million Japanese visitors to Korea in 2025. This award is a public recognition for individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion and development of culture, sports, and tourism.
Japan Knowledge Space Co., Ltd. (Japan Knowledge Space) announced its certification as a 'Food Education Promotion Company/Organization' for 2026 by the Japan Society of Food Education. This recognition highlights their 'Full Course of Food' support system, which includes new initiatives like a 'Meat Reward Subscription Service,' to comprehensively support the dining tables of IT engineers and their families. The company believes that the health and happiness of employees' families are crucial for sustainable growth, addressing the burden of meal preparation and rising food costs with a focus on employee well-being.
Holoeyes Inc.'s medical XR metaverse system, 'Holoeyes MD' (medical image processing software for general-purpose image diagnostic workstation), has been certified under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's FY2026 Trial Order Program. This system converts medical images from CT/MRI into 3D models within a metaverse space, making volumetric information visible that is difficult to convey on flat screens, aiding in surgical planning, simulation, and medical education. Holoeyes MD aims to transform implicit knowledge in medical fields into explicit knowledge, thereby improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of healthcare.
Wistron has been named one of the Top 100 Global Innovators for the fifth consecutive year by Clarivate, an annual list recognizing companies that consistently produce high-impact inventions. This year, 12 Taiwanese institutions, including ITRI, Foxconn, MediaTek, TSMC, AUO, Delta, Realtek, Wistron, Nanya Technology, ASUS, Coretronic, and Silicon Motion, were selected. Wistron CEO Jeff Lin emphasized the company's commitment to innovation, intellectual property management, and significant investment in key technologies like AI to maintain its leading position in the global tech industry.
Taiwanese-born Akutagawa Prize-winning author Li Kotomi has won the '15th Umeo Tadao Mountain and Exploration Literature Award' for her essay collection 'Blessings from Japanese, Blessings to Japanese,' published by Asahi Shimbun Publications. Her work, which explores the difficulties and joys of learning Japanese and her deep affection for the language, received an unusual award in a category typically dominated by adventure stories. The book will be released on February 1, 2025.
Ryo Asai's novel 'In the Megachurch' has won the Japan Booksellers' Award. This prestigious award, chosen by booksellers nationwide, often leads to bestsellers and adaptations. Asai, who debuted while at Waseda University, has a rich history of awards, including for 'The Kirishima Thing' and 'Someone'. 'In the Megachurch' has sold over 230,000 copies in five months since its September release.
Kume Sekkei announced that two of its designed projects, the Kawasaki City Hall Main Building and Toranomon Hills Station Tower, received the Technology Award at the 64th Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan Awards. The awards recognize innovative and sustainable design in urban development and environmental performance.
Tokyo Ink Co., Ltd. received the highest rating in the "DBJ Environmental Rating" from the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) for its particularly advanced initiatives in environmental considerations. The company also secured financing based on this rating in March 2026. This rating recognizes Tokyo Ink's efforts in integrating environmental strategies with business management, reducing environmental impact in production, and creating sustainable products and services.
Nikko Co., Ltd., a staffing company headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has been certified for the second consecutive year as a 'Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026 (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Category)' under the Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organization Certification Program, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Nippon Kenko Kaigi. The company specializes in staffing for the manufacturing industry in the Tokai area and has received high evaluations from major automobile manufacturers.
Octopus Energy, which recorded a growth rate of 1137% since 2022 and ranked first among the top 40 electricity companies in terms of growth, announced that it received four awards, including three Grand Prizes, at the "New Power Award 2025" organized by RBB TODAY. This recognition is a testament to its ability to maintain high customer satisfaction even amidst rapid customer base expansion, offering competitive pricing, transparent services, and efficient digital tools.
The nominees for the 44th (2025) Kuniko Mukoda Award have been decided, with Mr. Kazunari Hirmoto, Mr. Mitsuhiko Fujiki, and Mr. Tsutomu Kuroiwa being nominated. The winner is scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, April 21. The Kuniko Mukoda Award, established in 1982, is given to outstanding screenwriters. The selection is made by a committee composed of past winners, targeting TV dramas broadcast in the previous year.
National Central University, Huang Ta-Yu Cultural and Arts Foundation, and Huang Ta-Yu Children's Theater held an asteroid naming ceremony for writer Huang Chun-ming. Huang, a renowned Taiwanese writer whose works are translated into multiple languages, was honored with the asteroid 'Huangchunming (777018)' discovered by NCU's Lulin Observatory, symbolizing the convergence of science and humanities. Huang emotionally shared his journey, telling his late grandfather, "Grandpa, I didn't go bad."
Tabelog, the restaurant search and reservation service operated by Kakaku.com, Inc., has announced its 'Spanish Cuisine Hyakumeiten 2026.' This award recognizes 100 Spanish restaurants highly rated by users, with 17 new establishments making the list this year. The announcement details selection criteria and Tabelog's platform statistics, including user numbers and restaurant listings.
Far EasTone announced that its self-developed 5G remote diagnosis platform and Cloud HIS received the first 'ISO 22301:2019 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)' certification in Taiwan's telecom industry from BSI. This certification signifies Far EasTone's systems can ensure critical operations continue and recover quickly during emergencies. BSI Northeast Asia Managing Director Hsieh Chun-hao presented the certification to Far EasTone President Chee Ching. Far EasTone's smart healthcare solutions have expanded to 15 counties and 59 townships since 2020, serving over 75,000 people.
Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), a leading platform for human insights, has been certified as a "Great Place to Work" by Great Place to Work® Institute Japan for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights GLG's commitment to creating an environment where employees can thrive, emphasizing comprehensive benefits, flexible time off, and entrusting staff with significant responsibilities. The repeated certification signifies a strong and sustainable organizational culture.
The "Tokyu Stay Official Accommodation Rights Resale Service," a collaborative NFT-based platform for hotel reservations, has won the Grand Prix in the Open Category at the "Japan Tourism NFT Awards 2025." This innovative service, developed by Tokyu Fudosan, Tokyu Resorts & Stay, Kaizen Platform, and POCKET RD, addresses industry challenges like cancellations and demand mismatches by offering a flexible booking and resale model for accommodation rights.
PHONE APPLI Inc. has been certified as a "Food Education Practice Excellent Corporation 2026" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This recognition highlights their continuous efforts to improve employees' dietary habits and create healthy eating environments, such as holding time-saving recipe sharing sessions. The company aims to promote holistic well-being management, with food education being a key component.
TD SYNNEX K.K. has announced that it received four awards in total, across both global and regional categories, at the "Broadcom 2025 Partner Awards" announced by Broadcom Inc. on March 11, 2026. The company was recognized globally for "Technical Support" and regionally for "Technical Enablement," "Endpoint," and "Cyber Security Aggregator" in the cybersecurity category. These awards highlight TD SYNNEX's advanced technical support system and significant contributions to Broadcom's software business.
A volunteer team including Graffer's Govtech Strategist Hirokazu Suzuki received an Honourable Mention in the "G7 GovAI Grand Challenge" hosted by the Canadian government. Their award-winning solution, "Civic Reach," utilizes generative AI to eliminate communication friction between government and citizens, addressing the "last mile problem" in public administration. This international project aims to accelerate AI utilization in the public sector and improve administrative services.
Pigeon Corporation received an "A-" (leadership level) rating from CDP for its 2025 climate change efforts and disclosures, and a "B" (management level) rating for water security. The company formulated the "Pigeon Green Action Plan" in 2022 to reduce environmental impact and achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, which are certified by SBTi.
Yuskin Pharmaceutical's "Yuskin 180g Pump" has been awarded both 1st place and "Best Buy" in the heel cream category by the renowned Japanese review magazine 'LDK.' Praised for its effectiveness in treating skin issues and providing moisture, the product is a 180g quasi-drug containing active and moisturizing ingredients. The pump variant was specifically recognized for its convenience in family use, though all container types feature the same acclaimed cream.
EMOLVA Co., Ltd., an SNS marketing company, has achieved the top position in Wantedly's "Weekly Trending Ranking" among approximately 45,000 companies in Japan. This success is attributed to their emphasis on "empathy" in recruitment, leveraging their SNS marketing expertise to attract over 6,000 applicants and build a talent pool of over 250 new candidates weekly. The company focuses on creating engaging recruitment articles and story content that resonate with job seekers' aspirations.
Two students from Okayama University, Fumi Nakanishi and Ayaka Oashi, were awarded the Nishina Prize for their outstanding academic achievements. Nakanishi was recognized for her research on neutrino observation from nearby supernova explosions, and Oashi for her work on elucidating type I collagen formation mechanisms in axolotl skin dermis.
Akashika Chisho Co., Ltd. has achieved first place in Himeji City for the number of residential development permit applications for the fourth consecutive year, handling 107 lots in Reiwa 7 (FY 2025). The company develops diverse properties, from small plots to large subdivisions like "Tsujii (27 lots)," aiming to enrich residents' lives and enhance the overall value and revitalization of Himeji City.
The Public Trust Fund for the Promotion of Clinical Laboratory Medicine Research has announced the recipients of its Reiwa 7th Fiscal Year awards: the Koichiro Fujita Award, the Nozomi Osakai Award, and Research Grants. The awards recognize significant contributions and promising research in clinical laboratory medicine, with an award ceremony recently held. The fund, established in 1988, is entrusted by SRL and Fuji Rebio, and administered by Mizuho Trust & Banking.
Coconala Tech, a service operated by Coconala Inc., has received the "BRONZE" award at the "Freelance Agent AWARD 2026." This award recognizes noteworthy freelance agencies based on objective evaluation criteria, including user votes and industry recommendations. The recognition highlights Coconala Tech's steady support and its role in addressing the IT talent shortage by connecting companies with freelancers and supporting their working environment.
GMO Sign, an electronic contract service by GMO GlobalSign Holdings, has been selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Good Examples of Information Accessibility 2025." This recognition highlights the service's thoughtful design supporting diverse users, including keyboard and screen reader compatibility, and its organizational commitment to ensuring high accessibility standards for independent contract completion.
Entertainment startup taskey Inc. announces that its "Shonen Brave" label has achieved significant success, with "The Chef Exiled from the S-Rank Party, Who Had the Strongest Buff Food" ranking 1st and "Out Days" ranking 3rd in the Mecha Comic Monthly Ranking (Shonen). These achievements highlight the growing popularity of the "Shonen Brave" label, which focuses on energetic shonen manga genres.
The 36th Ayukawa Tetsuya Award has been granted to Makoto Yuuki for their work, 'Samayoeru Eien' (Wandering Eternity). Yuuki, born in Tokushima Prefecture in 1992, is currently a company employee. The selection process involved 209 submissions, narrowed down to four finalists, with the final decision made by judges Aosaki Yugo, Higashigawa Tokuya, and Maya Yusuke. The winning work is scheduled for publication in October, and details of the selection process will be featured in 'Shimi no Techo vol.31'.
KURUTO, a small multi-purpose facility planned, designed, and operated by Kuru Co., Ltd., has been awarded the Gold Award in the Interior Design category at the TECTURE AWARD 2025, one of Japan's largest space design awards for the architecture and interior industry. The award recognizes KURUTO's innovative approach as a hub where various creators and activities converge, fostering new connections and community growth.
Teshio Yume Farm Co., Ltd., part of the Socioak Group, has been recognized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare with the "Monisu Certification" for its excellent employment practices for people with disabilities. The company was lauded for its high retention rates, exceeding statutory employment quotas, robust training systems for support staff, and high employee satisfaction, reinforcing its commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment within the agricultural sector.
Queen Co., Ltd.'s uruotte Natural Shampoo (unscented), launched 21 years ago, has received its second Judges' Award at the Sustainable Cosme Award 2025 in the Carbon Neutrality category. The product was highly praised for its 'sustainable sales' over two decades, its ability to halve plastic container usage with a 2-in-1 formula and cartridge-style eco-bottles, and its contribution to water resource conservation and regional agricultural support by using tea seed oil from abandoned farmland. The award ceremony was held on March 20, 2026, in Tokyo.
Check Point Software Technologies has been recognized as a Leader and Fast Mover in the 2026 GigaOm Radar Report for Application and API Security for the third consecutive year. The report highlights Check Point's Web Application Firewall (WAF) for its high detection accuracy, ability to protect modern applications and APIs, and its comprehensive WAAP capabilities. Key strengths include advanced threat prevention, simplified API protection, and seamless integration into development workflows, reinforcing its industry leadership.
Interspace Co., Ltd. announced the Grand Prize winners of the "YJ Wellness Item Award 2026," hosted by "Yoga Journal Japan Edition." Popular yoga instructors from "Yoga Journal 100-person Labo" rigorously evaluated 32 items across 7 categories, selecting the best wellness products for yoga practitioners.
AWA Corporation, operating the subscription-based music streaming service "AWA," announced its "March Everyone's Reactions Compilation," a summary of its unique TOP30 rankings based on user data from March 2026. The rankings highlight artists who were most added to playlists, most favored, most talked about, and most shared.
Co-op Moving Co., Ltd. has been recognized for the second consecutive year as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation 2026 Next Bright 1000" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Conference, marking their fifth consecutive certification. The company detailed various initiatives focused on employee well-being, including comprehensive health check-ups, promotion of healthy lifestyles, smoking cessation programs, and improving workplace safety and communication.
Denon's DP-500BT, a Bluetooth-enabled belt-drive record player, has received the prestigious "Gold Award" at the "Analog Grand Prix 2026." It was highly praised for its blend of technology inherited from the higher-end DP-3000NE, stylish design, and integrated high-quality features like a phono equalizer and Bluetooth, all at an accessible price. The Analog Grand Prix, established in 2008, recognizes outstanding analog playback equipment for audio enthusiasts.
Omron Corporation has been recognized as an "Excellent Welfare Corporation" in the "Hataraku Cheer" program, a higher distinction than last year's award. This recognition highlights Omron's commitment to enhancing employee benefits and creating a supportive environment for diverse talent, with integrated systems for career and life support.
Dentsu Soken has been awarded "Partner of the Year" by Panaya Japan for the third consecutive year at the "Partner Award 2025." This recognition stems from their top sales performance in the "Panaya" business for fiscal year 2025, significant contributions to market awareness, and new business generation through joint marketing and product evaluations. Dentsu Soken, as Japan's largest "Panaya" distributor since 2009, continues to support SAP ERP users and partners in their DX initiatives.
OM Network Co., Ltd. has been certified as a Silver Class company in Niigata City's "Health Management Certified Office System" as of April 1, 2026, following its previous Bronze Class certification. This recognition is due to the company's continuous efforts to promote the physical and mental health of its employees. The company plans to further strengthen data-driven health support and mental health measures through communication.
The Japan Child-Rearing Support Association is accepting entries for the 7th 'Japan Child-Rearing Support Award 2026,' recognizing products and services that benefit child-rearing families across various categories like clothing, food, living, goods, services, and appliances. The application deadline is April 22nd, with an awards ceremony in mid-July.
Wasabi Co., Ltd. announced that companies using its reuse-specialized EC centralized management system, "WASABI SWITCH," received various category awards at the "Rakuten Shop of the Year 2025." This award recognizes the best shops on Rakuten Ichiba based on customer votes, sales, growth rate, order volume, and customer service.
Leopalace21 was certified as a 'Welfare Promotion Corporation' for the fourth consecutive year at 'Hatarakuyell 2026' and, for the first time, received the 'Excellent Employee Welfare Corporation (Comprehensive)' award. The company focuses on fair and equitable welfare systems, incorporating employee feedback through town meetings and workshops, and promoting overall wellbeing for employees and their families.
The picture book "Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth" (Author: Hikaru Amemiya), published in June 2024 by PIE International Inc. (Toshima-ku), has been selected as one of the books for the 2026 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf. This special exhibition showcases outstanding works from those submitted to the Bologna Ragazzi Award, with 150 highly acclaimed books chosen from over 4,000 entries from 73 countries and regions worldwide.
Comedian Takahiro Ogata, also known as Panther Ogata, has received the 9th Super Daddy Award for his active engagement in childcare and his contributions to the YouTube channel "Thank You! Japan's Most Positive Child-Rearing Support Group." The award recognizes his embodiment of "Super Daddy-ism" by balancing a busy career with dedicated parenting, inspiring other fathers to participate more actively in child-rearing. The channel itself fosters a supportive community for parents to share experiences and grow together.
Fintokei held its 'Fintokei Summit 2026 Spring,' featuring the 'Pro Trader Award 2026' ceremony that honored traders with outstanding achievements, including a top winner who earned approximately 24.72 million yen. The company also launched a new, highly accessible prop trading plan called 'Quartz' and is offering a limited-time campaign for first-time purchasers to experience it for 1,000 yen.
M&D Co., Ltd.'s EC shop, "Blanc Lapin," has won 2nd place in the Beauty & Healthcare category of the Kyushu-Okinawa Area Award at the "Yahoo! Shopping Area Award 2025" for the sixth consecutive time. The company offers a wide range of brand cosmetics and beauty devices, committed to delivering beauty and satisfaction to its customers.
Yokohama City has been recognized as the only Japanese city among the UN's top 20 global leaders in waste reduction. The selection highlights Yokohama's significant achievements in reducing waste by 50% despite population growth, alongside its innovative policies and citizen engagement initiatives. This recognition underscores Yokohama's commitment to a green society and its role as an international model for sustainable urban development.
Harada Munenori's short story collection 'A Collection of Travel Short Stories: Spring and Summer' has been awarded 'Super Discovery Book!' in the 2026 Bookstore Grand Prize 'Discovery Section'. This award celebrates books that endure across time or remain interesting to reread, with a sequel, 'A Collection of Travel Short Stories: Autumn and Winter', also highlighted.
ZenGroup Inc. has been recognized as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation 2026" for the third year in a row, highlighting its commitment to employee well-being and creating a healthy, diverse work environment. The company implements various health, mental health, and communication initiatives, which contribute to high employee retention and organizational growth.
The Asahi Shimbun Company and the Bell Mark Education Support Foundation have announced the winners of a T-shirt design contest to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Bell Mark movement. The contest received 250 entries, with three Gold Prize winners and twelve Silver Prize winners selected. The Bell Mark Foundation, established in 1960, supports educational initiatives nationwide by collecting "Bell Marks" from products.
My Little Box, a subscription service for beauty enthusiasts, has announced its "BEST COSME 2025" awards, based on the satisfaction scores of 12,423 members. The awards highlight top products in skincare, hair care, and body care, reflecting the latest beauty trends that efficiently and comfortably enhance beauty in busy modern lifestyles. The selection emphasizes innovative technology and experiences that awaken beauty, chosen from real user experiences.
Shabon Dama Soap Co., Ltd. has received the Excellent Prize at the '2025 Reiwa Era Kitakyushu DX Award' for its innovative integration of traditional craftsmanship with digital technologies and its commitment to Green Transformation (GX). The company was recognized for digitizing artisan techniques, optimizing production with AI, and implementing energy-saving measures using self-developed IoT devices. This award highlights their successful 'proactive energy-saving investment' and dedication to sustainable manufacturing.
Daimaru Tokyo Store's bakeries held a "Spring Bakery Grand Prize" event where 40 staff members judged 18 spring-themed breads on taste, appearance, texture, aroma, and cost performance. The event announced top rankings and special awards for appearance, texture, and aroma, highlighting seasonal offerings.
Ingenta Inc., in collaboration with Biomimetics Sympathies Inc., has been selected as one of the eight finalists for the "GENIAC-PRIZE," a project led by METI and NEDO to promote generative AI implementation. Their proposal features an autonomous cooperative hypothesis generation system using domestic LLM and Graph technology to structure and reuse underutilized experimental failure data and research records, aiming to advance R&D processes in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
JIP Techno Science Co., Ltd.'s smartphone-based road condition evaluation system, DRIMS, has been included in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT) "Inspection Support Technology Performance Catalog." This system leverages smartphone sensors and AI image analysis to efficiently assess road conditions like cracks, rutting, and IRI, contributing to advanced road maintenance and disaster preparedness.
On April 2, 2026, the Japan Philanthropic Foundation announced the 24 recipients of its 2nd "Japan's Beautiful Craftsmanship Fund ~Training Support Grant~." These aspiring artisans, selected from 85 applicants across Japan, will receive a total of 12 million yen to support their training in traditional crafts from May 2026 to April 2027. The fund aims to preserve and pass down Japan's rich craft heritage by providing financial aid to individuals committed to mastering traditional artisan skills.
Payroll Co., Ltd. has been certified as an "Employee Benefits Promotion Corporation" at Hataraku-Ale 2026 for its dedication to enhancing and utilizing employee benefits. The company offers a general-purpose payroll calculation service called "HR BPaaS" and has implemented various employee benefits, including an on-site meal service, a flexible holiday system, and distribution of professional sports game tickets. Payroll is committed to further developing its employee benefits to support diverse work styles and maximize employee potential.
FORVAL Co., Ltd., a "Corporate Doctor Group" supporting ESG management, has been certified as a "Welfare Promotion Corporation" by the Employee Welfare Award and Certification System Executive Committee. This recognition highlights the company's excellence in enhancing and utilizing employee welfare, placing it in the category just below the highest-scoring "Excellent Welfare Corporation." The certification acknowledges FORVAL's effective management of HR issues, robust welfare system operations, and various initiatives aimed at improving employee well-being and work-life balance.
Ginza Inc., a home renovation company specializing in water-related areas, has been ranked No. 1 in the review evaluation ranking for Chuo Ward, Tokyo, by Komuten.com. The company boasts extensive experience, with over 3,000 tower condominium renovation projects out of 120,000 nationwide, many in the rapidly redeveloping Chuo Ward. Ginza Inc. is committed to meeting customer needs, leveraging its specialized expertise in condominium and detached house renovations.
Keeper Security APAC Co., Ltd., a cybersecurity provider specializing in zero-trust, zero-knowledge Privileged Access Management (PAM), announced it won 18 prestigious industry awards. The announcement coincides with their exhibition at RSA Conference 2026, solidifying their position as a leader in next-generation cybersecurity. These awards recognize their innovation and leadership across various critical areas of identity security and privileged access protection.
Shoko Tsusho Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organization for the third consecutive year since 2024. This achievement highlights their commitment to fostering a healthy work environment, with initiatives ranging from system establishment to data-driven improvements in employee well-being.
Japan Knowledge Space Co., Ltd. has been certified for the first time as an "Excellent Company for Food Education Practice 2026" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This recognition highlights their unique food education and meal support systems, which ensure equal benefits for all employees regardless of their diverse IT industry work styles, and also act as an "effective inflation allowance" against rising prices. The company's initiatives include a virtual employee cafeteria, a regular delivery service for imperfect vegetables, and a rice purchase subsidy system.
ispace, a space startup, was recognized with the "Equity Deal of the Year" award at the DEALWATCH AWARDS 2025 for its October 2025 share offering. This award acknowledges their capital policy efforts and contribution to the Japanese capital market. The company prioritizes early mission monetization and building a stable financial foundation, while continuing its business development with the support of over 100,000 shareholders and strategic partners.
Katakura Industries' Cocoon City in Saitama Shintoshin received the "Innovate Award" at the 28th Developer Award Selected by Tenants, recognized for its continuous renewal and tenant mix optimization.
Honey J Corporation has been certified under the Japan Tourism Agency's "Tour Operator Quality Certification System," reinforcing its commitment to international standards in inbound business. The company positions itself as an "Inbound Strategy Implementation Partner," addressing market challenges like operational quality variations by ensuring quality and implementing strategies on-site, rather than just facilitating travel arrangements. This certification is a catalyst for expanding their offerings in the luxury and wellness markets and seeking strategic partnerships.
Three-R Solution Co., Ltd. celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of providing practical solutions in industrial inspection and beauty/health sectors. The company plans to further enhance its expertise and partner with customers to drive innovation and create greater value in both specialized fields.
Yutaka Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., a specialized civil engineering company, has been certified as a 'Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026 (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Category)' for the eighth consecutive year. The company was also selected as one of the 'Next Bright 1000' organizations for its exceptional health management initiatives, driven by a young employee team and engaging health events.
CARTA ZERO has won the Concept Craft Award in the Planning Division at the 'Metro Ad Creative Award 2025' for their project "Pattu Zazen," designed for Ajinomoto AGF's Blendy® My Bottle Stick. The award-winning plan proposed an "instant brain reset experience" at Shinjuku Station, transforming the act of shaking the drink into a mindfulness practice to combat information overload for modern individuals.
ProFuture Inc. has announced that applications are now open for the 11th HR Technology Awards, supported by organizations including the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. The awards aim to recognize outstanding initiatives in HR technology and HR big data utilization, contributing to the advancement of the field. The application deadline is May 22, 2026, at 13:00 JST.
AIGoods Inc. has been recognized with a 3rd place award in the Venture category and 10th place overall at the "One Career Job Hunting Review Awards 2026." The company is lauded for its strong "corporate culture and the appeal of its people," which are highlighted through its innovative and sincere recruitment programs designed to foster student growth and provide a realistic understanding of the working world.
Okamura Corporation's "Biotop Fuji" at its Fuji Business Site has been certified as a "Nature Coexistence Site" by the Ministry of the Environment. This recognition highlights its efforts in preserving secondary forests, creating diverse habitats, and utilizing the area for employee well-being and environmental education, alongside continuous biodiversity monitoring. The biotope, established in 2022 from a former bamboo forest, actively contributes to ecosystem conservation and employee training.
PGYTECH's "MagCam 2 Smartphone Grip" and "CreateMate High-Speed Mini Card Reader Case" have won Gold Awards at the DGP Mobile Award 2026. The products were highly evaluated by professional photographers and critics for optimizing the smartphone photography workflow from shooting to data management.
The Alfresa Group announced that 16 of its companies have received the "Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026" certification. This achievement is a result of their efforts to promote employee health, organizational revitalization, and productivity improvement, based on their "Group Philosophy" and "Sustainability Basic Policy." Multiple group companies have received continuous certification in both large and small/medium enterprise categories.
DS Cerlia Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of DS Healthcare Group, has been certified as a Health Management Excellent Corporation 2026 in the Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation Category. The company actively promotes employee health through initiatives focused on diet, hydration, and exercise, aiming to create a supportive workplace environment. This certification highlights their commitment to employee well-being as a cornerstone for delivering superior services and achieving self-actualization for all stakeholders.
PFU Limited has announced the winners of its "SCAN to AI Value Creation Idea Contest," recognizing innovative uses of ScanSnap and AI. The contest, spanning Lifehack and Freelance divisions, highlighted user demand for effortless, accurate, and usable digitization of paper information. The Grand Prix was awarded to an idea that transforms physical mail into audible content for visually impaired individuals, showcasing the social impact of combining scanning technology with AI.
Hitoshi Hiyodori, a Cisco Systems Certified Instructor (CCSI) at Trainocate Inc., has received the '2026 Distinguished Instructor Award' from Cisco Systems. This prestigious award recognizes instructors who have delivered exceptional training experiences across multiple Cisco technology domains, with Hiyodori being one of only 13 recipients globally and one of two in the Asia-Pacific region. This marks his third time receiving this award, and his eleventh consecutive year winning a CCSI-related award.
Zeal Inc. announced that their deaf athlete employee, Yosuke Yamada, won a bronze medal in the PTVI class at the World Triathlon Para Series (2026/Devonport) held in Devonport, Australia on March 13, 2026. This marks his first bronze medal in a World Championship Series para series event, and he aims to continue training to reach the world's top level.
On March 31, 2026, the Japan Philanthropic Association announced the five grant recipients for its 5th "Japan Learning Support Fund," totaling 4,970,000 yen for projects running from April 2026 to March 2027. This fund supports initiatives that foster a Japanese identity and healthy youth development through learning Japanese philosophy, history, culture, politics, and literature. The selected projects include programs on Japanese liberal arts, youth education through terraced rice paddies, regional charm contests, intercultural understanding, and diversity through popular performing arts.
Autodesk has been recognized for the third consecutive year as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies®" by Ethisphere Institute, a testament to its consistent commitment to integrity, compliance, and corporate governance. This award highlights Autodesk's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ethical practices, foster a culture of accountability, and build trust with its customers and partners worldwide.
Workship, a recruitment platform for freelancers operated by GIG Co., Ltd., secured 2nd place in the freelance/side job matching category at the "AI Search Cited Award 2026 First Half." This award recognizes services with high "AI Citation Scores," which measure the likelihood of a website being cited as a source by major AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews. GIG also provides the "Conmark" service, which assists companies with AI search optimization.
dotD, Inc., a business creation firm, received the White award in the "Worker-First Award 2025" co-sponsored by Miidas Co., Ltd. and Asahi Shimbun Company. This award recognizes companies that prioritize their employees, with 2,777 companies applying this year. The selection was based on Miidas' "Hatarakigai Survey" and a rigorous review by nine judges.
The 2nd Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives awarded its grand prize to Swiss watchmakers Hazemann & Monnin for their bold innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. The prize celebrates independent watchmaking talent globally, with Hazemann & Monnin receiving a trophy, a substantial grant, and a year of mentorship.
Super Hotel Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation 2026" for the third consecutive year. The company emphasizes staff well-being through initiatives like 100% stress check completion and company-wide sports events, believing that healthy and engaged employees are key to providing excellent customer service.
Gogin has been selected for the 'Nadeshiko Brand' for the third consecutive year, recognizing its excellent initiatives in promoting women's active participation. This achievement, unique among banking institutions nationwide and in the Chugoku/Shikoku region, highlights the bank's integrated approach to human resource strategy and corporate value enhancement, including significant achievements like over 30% female board representation.
Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, has appointed JILL, vocalist of the rock band "PERSONZ" and Shamisen JILL-ya, as the Hida Takayama Ambassador. JILL was deeply impressed by the beauty of the town and the warmth of its people during her performances in Takayama City. As a Hida Takayama Ambassador, JILL is scheduled to promote the charms of Hida Takayama nationwide through the "PERSONZ RELOAD TOUR “DISCOVER JAPAN47”" which starts on April 17. Takayama City has high expectations for JILL's influential communication skills.
CBC TV's 'GoGoSmile' has achieved the No. 1 annual viewership rating in the Kanto, Kansai, and Nagoya regions.
Realize Inc., a portfolio company of SC Capital Partners Inc., has been selected as one of the "100 Top Regional Companies" by the regional revitalization media "Made In Local," just two and a half years after its founding. The company was recognized for its rapid growth, unique business model combining used camera distribution with consulting, and highly reproducible support capabilities.
The Epics DAO validator, operated by ELSOUL LABO B.V. and Validators DAO, has reached 3rd place overall globally with a score of 99.93 in the Shinobi Performance Pool. This top-tier performance directly empowers the ERPC platform with high-speed, reliable SWQoS endpoints and Epic Shreds, optimizing Solana RPC quality for users. The continuous improvement of the validator ensures that the ERPC infrastructure provides developers with an increasingly faster and more robust ecosystem.
The inaugural 'AnimeJapan New Creator Award' was held, featuring host Misato Ugaki and special guests Sakurazaka46. The grand prize went to 'POLICE MEN' from Kyoto Seika University. Winning works will be distributed to over 200 countries via platforms like Crunchyroll.
NOT A HOTEL has selected 'Sound of Rain' by Australia-based Steven Chu as the grand prize winner of its design competition. The project attracted 1,058 entries from 112 countries and regions. The winning design will be constructed and sold in the Yakushima area.
The 30th 'Promise Essay Contest' received 7,429 entries, and 21 winning works have been selected for the general division and the Promise Aile! division (photo/illustration). The winning entries depict everyday happiness, bonds, positive attitudes, and the role of love and hope in supporting life. Details are available on the official website.
NSK Ltd. has been awarded the highest rating, "CDP Supplier Engagement Leader," in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Rating by the international environmental non-profit organization CDP. The company was recognized for its comprehensive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its entire supply chain and its strong collaboration with suppliers.
Sotas Inc. has been awarded the 11th JEITA Venture Award for its innovative information platform that streamlines chemical substance management and legal compliance. The company was recognized for its contribution to reducing operational burdens on chemical manufacturers and improving information traceability across the supply chain. Sotas plans to leverage this achievement to further accelerate the development of a global chemical information distribution infrastructure.
Hot Album Carbonated Spring Tablet Co., Ltd. has received the Kanagawa Prefecture 'ME-BYO BRAND' certification for its HOT TAB bath additive, which leverages bicarbonate ions to promote health. This non-chemical bathing approach encourages simple, soak-based care to improve blood circulation and support overall wellness, moving away from reliance on conventional soap and shampoo. The company aims to contribute to longer health spans by promoting this evidence-based, pre-disease prevention bathing habit.
Dai-ichi Kosho Co., Ltd.'s "DK Elder System," a platform designed to help maintain and improve the physical, oral, and cognitive functions of the elderly, has been officially certified as a "ME-BYO BRAND" by Kanagawa Prefecture. This certification recognizes the system as an outstanding product within the "Mibyo" (pre-symptomatic disease) industry, acknowledging its potential to address health challenges like dementia and frailty. The system is already in use at approximately 30,000 elderly care facilities nationwide.
The 'Hayamichi' leather wallet by independent brand MINA blue has won the prestigious iF design award 2026, a remarkable feat among over 10,000 entries. The wallet is designed to carry 'just the right amount,' with a unique structure that physically prevents overfilling, guiding users towards a minimalist approach. Crafted from a single piece of durable, sustainably-sourced 'Aged Chrome Leather' with minimal stitching, it champions longevity and repairability.
"Oshikatsu Cancel Insurance," a product from Mysurance Inc. developed in collaboration with Oshicoco Inc., has been awarded the 12th Small-amount and Short-term Insurance Grand Prize. The policy, which covers financial losses from canceling trips for fan activities, was praised for its innovative approach to a modern risk, its accessible premiums, and its effective marketing to the "oshikatsu" (fan activity) community.
YKK AP Inc. announced that its YKK AP30 Building in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture, has achieved both "ZEB" status and the highest "Platinum" rank in the "WELL Certification". The building incorporates advanced energy-saving designs and features that promote employee health and well-being, such as utilizing natural ventilation and artesian well water.
Four home appliances manufactured and sold by Iris Ohyama Inc. have won the iF Design Award 2026, one of the world's three major design awards. This marks the seventh consecutive year the company has received this honor, setting a new record for the number of awards in a single year. Additionally, the "Circulator WOOZOO 360 barrel (KCF-CDP18TEC1-H)" has achieved a double win, having also received the "2025 Good Design Award" (*2).
Octave, a software company spinning off from Hexagon, has been named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape report for AI-enabled Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) for 2025–2026. The recognition highlights their EAM solution, 'Octave Attune EAM,' and their strategic focus on generative AI and agentic capabilities to optimize asset lifecycles. Octave was also identified as a major player in two other 2026 IDC MarketScape reports focusing on utilities and the oil and gas industry.
Asahi Gakken Thinquest has announced the winners of the inaugural 'Kids Mirai Awards,' which recognize products and services that support children's learning and growth. The awards were determined through 3,500 public votes cast online and at a hands-on event held at Gotenyama Elementary School in Tokyo.
Mirai no Gemba has been featured in the 'Quality Control' section of the 'Manufacturing DX Startup Chaos Map <2026 Edition>,' released by the Manufacturing DX Association. The map systematically organizes domestic startups to help promote 'Japanese-style Manufacturing DX,' which leverages the on-site strengths of Japan's manufacturing industry. The company's CEO, Tetta Sato, also serves as a director of the association.
Tsukui Corporation announced that its 'Yorisoi Concierge' service, which supports employees in balancing work and caregiving, has been selected for the 'Japan Service Innovation 2025' program by the Service Productivity & Innovation for Growth (SPRING). The service was recognized for its comprehensive approach to preventing caregiving-related job separation by leveraging 40 years of expertise alongside AI and digital tools.
IID, Inc. has announced the winners of the 'RBB SPEED AWARD 2025,' which honors internet services with the fastest actual speeds based on one year of data from their 'RBB SPEED TEST' service. The awards recognize top performers across various categories including fixed lines, Wi-Fi, and ISP services based on user-measured download speeds.
COMME CA's short-length jacket and wide-leg pants set won the "Setup" award at the 3rd CLASSY. Work Masterpiece Awards 2026, featured in the May issue of the fashion magazine CLASSY. The outfit was praised by over 80 staff and readers for offering a modern, traditional look that exudes competence, making it perfect for the workplace. The set is noted for its supple, luxurious fabric that is also conveniently hand-washable at home.
Plus Alpha Consulting held the "CX Innovation Awards" at its "Mieruka Engine Conference" to recognize companies excelling in utilizing customer data. Ten companies, including Suntory Holdings and Sega, received the Grand Prize for driving innovative CX transformations using the "Mieruka Engine" platform.
Tenchijin, a JAXA-certified space venture, has been awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the 10th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award. The company was recognized for its 'Space Water Bureau' system, which leverages satellite data and AI to optimize water leak detection and infrastructure management for municipalities.
The 4th Tokyo University of the Arts 'AD Works Group Nihonga' Prize has been awarded to both Daisuke Mukai and Kota Iwatani, who tied for the grand prize. The ceremony was held following a rigorous selection process, providing both artists with financial and exhibition support for their continued creative activities.
Rivista Inc.'s 'Builders Point' service for construction workers has been selected for 'Japan Service Innovation 2025'. The service allows general contractors to award points directly to skilled workers to boost site engagement and morale.
On March 25, 2026, the 'Bizcon OSAKA 2025' business plan contest was held at the Osaka Industrial Creation Center, showcasing promising Osaka-based companies. The event aimed to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses by providing a platform for presenting new business initiatives that drive regional economic growth. Winners were selected across Venture and Renovator categories, receiving prize money and ongoing business support.
バカンは長野県茅野市で2025年8月から12月まで実施した「避難所マネジメントシステムと地域交流推進アプリ『tami tami』によるフェーズフリー活用」の実証事業において、農林水産省の「令和7年度農山漁村振興への貢献活動に係る取組証明書」を取得した。同取組は地域運営組織（農村RMO）の活性化を目指すもので、災害時の避難所受付や名簿管理の効率化および地域交流の促進を検証した。バカンは今後、これらの基盤を活用し、平時の見守りから災害時の円滑な運営までを一体的に支える仕組みの構築を目指す。
The 12th Mynavi Career Koshien, a business idea competition for high school students nationwide, held its finals on March 14 and 15, 2026, at Otemachi Mitsui Hall. This year, a record-breaking 11,668 students from 3,151 teams participated, with teams from Rugby School Japan/Waseda High School and Shibuya Education Gakuen Shibuya High School taking home the top prizes in their respective categories.
The "Modelpress Best Drama Awards" ceremony was held in Tokyo on March 18, 2026, bringing together top actors like Ryoma Takeuchi and Kyoko Yoshine to celebrate the best dramas of 2025 across terrestrial, streaming, and short formats. Over 117,000 reader votes, combined with influencer and editorial input, determined the winners in 20 categories, generating massive public engagement.
Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has won the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director-General's Award at the 10th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award for developing the world's thinnest and lightest headlamp lens using 'Light Green Polycarbonate.' This innovation reduces lens weight by 20%, contributes to CO2 reduction, and improves pedestrian safety by reducing impact damage.
DGLOSS Inc. has been recognized in the Agentic AI category at the Business Intelligence Group's Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards for its "DGLOSS AI Telemarketing Platform." By combining 17 years of BPO data, proprietary telephone network control technology, and an LLM-powered voice agent, the company has built a world-first carrier-grade AI sales infrastructure that automates outbound sales at scale, generating results 9 times higher than its conventional methods.
Nextremer and Tokyu Corporation have been awarded the 'Sustainability Implementation Award' and 'HDI-Japan Special Award' at the GENIAC-PRIZE program organized by METI and NEDO. Their tourism information service using the conversational AI 'AI Minarai' at Shibuya tourist centers was recognized for reducing processing time by 22.4% and improving accuracy.
Yamada Homes has received the 'Special Excellence Award' at the 'House of the Year 2025' awards for its customizable 'RASIO' home series. The award recognizes the company's commitment to energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and high-quality home construction techniques.
Kirin Holdings has been selected for the 'Digital Transformation (DX) Brand 2026' by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company is actively promoting DX initiatives, including the utilization of generative AI, with over 70% of the Kirin Group employees using AI by 2025. They also developed the taste AI 'FJWLA' which was used in the renewal of Kirin Beer's flagship product 'Hareka'.
NHN comico has announced the results of its inaugural 'comico WEBTOON BL Manga Award'. Two works were selected for the semi-grand prize, and two for the honorable mention, with winners receiving prize money and professional editorial support for their debut.
The National Taiwan University of Sport (NTUS) has returned to the UBA Men's First Division top 4 after a seven-year hiatus, with captain Hu Jin-hao being identified as a pivotal figure. Head coach Sang Mao-sen stated that he has learned to take on heavy responsibilities this year and considers competing at the Taipei Arena a career milestone.
TOW has received two Silver awards at the Spikes Asia 2026 advertising festival for their work on 'LAPTOP BENTO (FMVentoU).'
Kao Corporation, led by President Yoshihiro Hasebe, has been selected as a "Digital Transformation Brand (DX Brand) 2026" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE). This recognition highlights Kao's company-wide DX initiatives, centered on AI, to achieve its mid-term management plan "K27." Key areas of evaluation included data utilization from core systems, the development of the "My Kao" data platform, and digital talent development, all contributing to business transformation and corporate value improvement. Specific initiatives include advanced supply-demand planning with AI demand forecasting, sebum RNA monitoring technology utilizing AI and machine learning, enhanced personalization on the interactive digital platform "My Kao," and the launch of a "DX Adventure Program" for all employees.
Samsung Electronics Japan announced that Samsung soundbars have achieved the top global sales performance for 12 consecutive years, reinforcing its leadership in the home entertainment industry. The company plans to strengthen its audio portfolio with premium models and an expanded 2026 lineup.
Yusaco Co., Ltd. has announced that the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) revealed the six winning papers for the 2025 Cozzarelli Prize. The prize honors papers of scientific excellence and originality, with one top paper selected annually from each of the six scientific classes of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The winning papers span fields from physical and mathematical sciences to biomedical and social sciences.
Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang met with Chen Yu-feng and Liao Yen-hsin, students shortlisted for the Presidential Education Award. Liao Yen-hsin, despite being hearing-impaired since childhood, never gave up learning and achieved excellent results in calligraphy. Mayor Hsieh awarded each student NT$10,000, recognizing their resilient spirit. Chen Yu-feng, from Zhengbin Junior High School, also demonstrated extraordinary perseverance in sports despite family hardships, breaking Keelung City's race walking record four times.
VALX Inc., operating the fitness brand "VALX," has been awarded the "Protein Market Leader Award" at the "2nd PPIH Best Partner Awards 2026" by Pan Pacific International Holdings. This award recognizes VALX's contributions to revitalizing the protein market through sales promotion and product planning at stores like Don Quijote.
Kankaku Inc. won three awards at the 45th Ehime Advertising Awards, including the top prize "Ehime Advertising Award 2025." The winning entries, "Smile is Professional. Work is Professional." for Matsuyama City and "Let's become prosperous through manufacturing" for Yutaka Co., Ltd., were praised for their communication design that clearly conveys content and value, going beyond mere visual expression.
UiPath Japan recognized its top partners for 2025, with ITOCHU Techno-Solutions (CTC) winning 'Partner of the Year' for driving agentic automation growth.
Sotonemaru wins the Grand Prix at the "Kaki-1 Grand Prix," marking Saga Prefecture's second consecutive victory.
Concur Japan, a leader in travel and expense management cloud solutions, received the Grand Prize in the "Accounting & Finance Division" of the "Back Office Award 2026," organized by MS-Japan. Their "SAP Concur" service was highly praised for its usability and efficiency in expense processing.
Credit Saison Co., Ltd. has been selected for the fourth consecutive year as a "Digital Transformation (DX) Brand 2026" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the Information-technology Promotion Agency. The company was particularly recognized for its high DX implementation capabilities, its ability to internalize even core systems, its multi-layered and multi-faceted information dissemination, and its commitment to placing IT and digital technology at the core of its business. In September 2025, it announced the "CSAX Strategy" for management reform through AI, aiming to become a "GLOBAL NEO FINANCE COMPANY" by 2030.
A research team led by Professor Chen Chia-yuan of National Cheng Kung University's Department of Mechanical Engineering successfully developed an active bio-analysis platform combining magnetically controlled microrobots and microfluidic biochips. This technology won two major awards at the 2026 Malaysia MTE International Invention Exhibition, specifically for its breakthrough application in zebrafish sperm activation, achieving over 80% activation rate after thawing. The team aims to expand its application to human medical fields, biomedical testing, and drug screening.
MFJ establishes new award 'MWMA' to recognize women's contributions.
The Nippon Philanthropic Foundation has opened applications for the 4th "Future of Caregiving Fund" from April 15th to May 29th, 2026. This fund supports activities that challenge new business models and frameworks in elderly care and independent living support, with a total grant of 20 million yen to be distributed among approximately 6-9 organizations.
Weightlifter Kuo Hsing-chun received a NT$10 million award from the Hongdao Foundation for her Tokyo Olympics gold medal. She is now fully focused on preparing for the domestic Asian Games qualifiers on June 6, aiming to secure her spot despite fluctuating injuries. The upcoming Nagoya Asian Games will feature new weight categories, posing a fresh challenge for her.
Medix Inc. has been certified as a "Silver" agency in the Criteo Certified Partner Program, in addition to its existing "Criteo Tech Partner" status, recognizing its sales and operational performance with Criteo solutions.
EVA Air's in-flight service products, co-developed with world-renowned brands, have won a total of six awards from two magazines at the international WTCE exhibition. These awards include business class pajamas, amenity kits, and children's bags, recognizing the products' ability to meet passenger needs and earn global trust.
OptQC Inc., engaged in the research and development of optical quantum computers, has been selected for the "SusHi Tech Global Growth Acceleration Program (Phase 1)" promoted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This program provides up to 200 million yen in funding and expert support to accelerate the global growth of startups. OptQC will leverage this selection to strengthen sales activities in the US, Europe, and Asia, and prepare multilingual technical communication materials, aiming to establish Japan's optical quantum technology as a global standard and accelerate its overseas expansion.
A researcher from Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences has received the Agricultural Chemistry Technology Award for the practical application of the cosmetic ingredient 'Lepista'.
Imoto Manufacturing's "High-Speed, High-Shear Mixer IMC-A500" received the "Excellence Award" at the 38th SME Excellent New Technology/Product Award, organized by Resona Foundation for SME Promotion and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun. This product dramatically advances the kneading process in material development for plastics and other materials, reducing total working time by one-third. Its unique cylindrical rotor mechanism, combined with the synergistic effects of centrifugal force, swirling flow, and elongational flow, achieves powerful kneading and advanced dispersion performance. Its value as a research infrastructure in the MI era was highly recognized.
Mitsui Soko Holdings Co., Ltd. has been selected for the "Digital Transformation Brand (DX Brand) 2026" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tokyo Stock Exchange, and Information-technology Promotion Agency. Following its recognition as a "DX Noteworthy Company 2025" last year, the company's effectiveness in promoting DX was highly evaluated. Mitsui Soko Holdings aims to continue promoting DX and creating new services as a digital logistics company.
Morinaga Milk Industry announced that its "Integrated Report 2025" was awarded the Excellence Award at the 5th Nikkei Integrated Report Awards, organized by Nikkei Inc. This marks the company's second time receiving this honor. The report was recognized for its focus on transparency, specifically regarding internal discussions and decision-making processes.
The General Incorporated Association for Care-Related Service Businesses (CSBA) announced five second-term certified businesses for its "100-Year Life Support Certification," aimed at improving the quality of non-insured care services and ensuring user peace of mind. This certification expands the total number of certified service locations to 2,773 nationwide. The fourth term application is scheduled to begin in July 2026.
Three Panasonic Homes Group companies – Panasonic Homes Co., Ltd., Natex Co., Ltd., and Shoei PanaHome Kumamoto Co., Ltd. – have been certified as "Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations 2026" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Nippon Kenko Kaigi. Panasonic Homes was certified in the large enterprise category, while Natex and Shoei PanaHome Kumamoto were certified in the small and medium-sized enterprise category. The certification period is from March 10, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The group aims to promote health and productivity management across all its companies, focusing on employee health management, improving job satisfaction, and achieving work-life balance.
Mitsubishi Corporation Logistics (MCLOGI) has been selected as an excellent business operator in the Reiwa 7th year Eco-Ship Modal Shift Project. This recognition is due to their successful implementation of the 'TODOCARRY' modal shift service, which transitioned inter-center transportation for Shimamura Music from Fukuoka to Ichikawa from primarily trucks to RORO ships, utilizing MOL Sunflower's Tokyo-Hakata route. In Reiwa 6th year, RORO ship utilization reached 72% of total transport, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving supply chain efficiency. MCLOGI plans to further expand and evolve 'TODOCARRY' to contribute to a carbon-neutral society. The Eco-Ship Mark Certification System, operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, certifies shippers and logistics operators who contribute to modal shift to marine cargo transport.
Best Amenity Factory Co., Ltd. announced that its Tamana Plant obtained FSSC22000 certification on March 17, 2026. This international standard for food safety management systems covers the entire process of manufacturing pet food for dogs and cats. The certification recognizes the company's commitment to quality and safety, from raw material reception to manufacturing and shipping.
Noriko Nishida, President of Education Measurement Research Institute, receives the Japan Test Society Distinguished Service Award.
Gentosha Gold Online has announced the winning entries for the 2nd 'Money and Investment Senryu Contest'.
ESPEC CORP.'s Kobe R&D Center was honored with the Prime Minister's Award for its long-standing commitment to biodiversity and environmental education. The center features a man-made forest, biotopes, and rooftop grasslands using 100% native species.