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The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza hotel is relaunching its 14th-floor restaurant, 'Sophie at EDITION,' on June 3, 2026, with a new Italian trattoria concept. Led by Executive Chef Marco Violano, the restaurant will serve classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, using select ingredients from Japan and Italy, complemented by an extensive Italian wine list and classic cocktails.
Mercuria Investment and Airborne Capital announced the first closing of their open-ended aircraft fund, Mach OE, on April 30th. The Development Bank of Japan is the anchor investor, and the fund targets a 150 billion yen asset size, with strategic partnerships with Daiwa Securities Group companies to expand investor access.
Filmarks has announced a nationwide 4K revival screening of Mamoru Hosoda's acclaimed 2006 film 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,' starting July 3, 2026. A new 4K trailer has been unveiled, showcasing the enhanced visual quality, and the list of participating theaters has been expanded to 161, with more to follow.
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU announces a multifaceted campaign for LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June. The initiatives include special rainbow-themed menus at JAM17 DINING & BAR, a curated playlist on Spotify, participation in the 'Tokyo Pride 2026' festival, a special party at AiSOTOPE LOUNGE, and the rainbow illumination of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, all aimed at celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced the exclusive digital premiere of the comedy-adventure film 'Our Anaconda' on the U-NEXT streaming service in Japan, starting May 20th. The film, a re-imagining of the 1997 classic 'Anaconda' starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, has been a global box office success, grossing over $100 million. To commemorate the release, preview clips and special featurettes are being released on Sony Pictures' official YouTube channel.
Cyber University has launched a new "Transfer Student Scholarship" effective April 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester. This program targets transfer students aged 29 or younger, providing a 50% tuition fee waiver until graduation to support the growing trend of 're-learning' among young adults and reduce financial barriers to higher education in IT and business.
Marugame Seimen announces its 'Meddlesome Surprise Noodle Increase Free Campaign' running from May 27-29, 2026. During this period, customers can upgrade any regular-sized udon to a large size for free at participating stores nationwide. The initiative is positioned as a 'happy surprise' to support customers amid rising prices and the early onset of summer.
Hotel Nikko Osaka announces a 'Parent-Child Table Manners Class' for July 27-28, 2026. The event, held at the hotel's French restaurant, offers families a chance to learn dining etiquette from a certified expert while enjoying a specially designed course meal during the summer vacation.
Nippon Columbia Group and amana Inc. have jointly produced "Next Trad," a branding movie for Tsugaru-shamisen player Koki Nakamura. The project, led by amana's AI unit A³, merges live-action performance with AI-generated imagery to create a new visual expression that connects traditional music with futuristic concepts.
Premier Antiaging Inc. announces that its skincare brand, Reinca, will hold its first pop-up event in the Kansai region at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store from June 3-9, 2026. The event, themed around 'Recovery Beauty®', will feature product experiences, guest appearances by a flower designer and a makeup artist, and will offer an exclusive 'Basic Kit'. The brand also highlights its new 'Stem Treatment Recovery Mask', which synergizes skincare with VENEX's recovery technology.
Abitus, a company specializing in international qualifications, has launched free trial lectures for its new "AAIA (Advanced in AI Audit)" certification course. This ISACA-certified program aims to train professionals to audit and manage the novel risks emerging from the rapid corporate adoption of generative AI.
AX Inc., a Fukuoka-based AI solutions company, announces its participation and seminar presentation at the Kyushu Innovation WEEK on June 3-4, 2026. CEO Bunta Ishiwata will address regional business owners struggling with AI, sharing his firm's success in reducing a 26-person task to one person and providing a practical roadmap for achieving results.
Aoba-BBT Global announces the first summer edition of its "Hatchlink Adventure Camp" for 2026, a 7-day English immersion program in Bacolod, Philippines. Responding to user demand, the camp allows students (grades 3-9) to engage in active learning and cultural experiences alongside their regular online English teachers from Hatchlink Junior.
Apparel brand SPINNS is launching a collaboration with the boy group 'Yogayo Nara!!!'. The collection, themed 'US Street,' includes T-shirts, bags, and other accessories, and will be sold at select stores and online. The launch is accompanied by a made-to-order merchandise campaign and a fan event in Omiya.
The Council for Sustainable Campus Promotion (CAS-Net JAPAN) announced the call for applications for the 12th Sustainable Campus Award. This award recognizes diverse sustainability efforts at higher education institutions, including decarbonization, SDGs promotion, community partnerships, and student-led activities, aiming to share best practices and advance the creation of sustainable campuses nationwide.
Nihon Bungeisha announces the May 20, 2026 release of the complete Japanese translation of 'AGAVES,' a landmark book by world-leading Agave experts Jeremy Spath and Jeff Moore. Supervised by Japanese specialist Shabomaniac!, the book is a comprehensive guide with 980 photos covering species, cultivation, and cultural history, positioned as the ultimate 'bible' for all Agave enthusiasts.
JR Tokai Hotels announced the rebranding of Hotel Associa Takayama Resort into Hilton Takayama Resort, set to open on September 14, 2026. This will be the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Gifu Prefecture. The hotel will have 283 rooms, an Executive Lounge, and a fitness center, with reservations starting June 1, 2026.
Figaro Japon announces its July 2026 issue, released on May 20, featuring Mio Imada on the cover. The main feature, 'Feel Good Beauty,' explores immediate beauty solutions including hair care, makeup, fragrances, and advanced skincare, alongside fashion reports on the 2026-27 FW collections and lifestyle articles on French spas.
The Saitama Women's Career Center is launching a 'Women's Digital Human Resource Development Course' via e-learning to support women seeking employment by equipping them with digital skills. The program is structured to accommodate beginners and offers various courses, including data analysis, web design, CAD, and advanced Office skills, as well as new practical courses in Generative AI and digital design.
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management announced its participation in the PRI 20th-anniversary ceremony and symposium. Their president, Takahiro Kobayashi, rang the bell at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and spoke on a panel, with the company acting as the sole sponsor for the Tokyo event, reinforcing its commitment to responsible investment.
Dog Diner Co., Ltd. has launched the fifth installment of its music video series, 'If You've Eaten, Dental Revolution.' This episode, titled 'Bad Breath is Immensely Destructive,' uses a monster movie metaphor where a giant dog's bad breath destroys Tokyo to highlight the severe social and health impacts of pet periodontal disease, promoting their 'Eating Dental Revolution' food additive as a simple solution.
CoinPost Inc. announced that bitFlyer Inc. has become the title sponsor for the WebX2026 conference, a major Asian Web3 event scheduled for July 13-14, 2026, in Tokyo. As a leading crypto exchange in Japan with operations in the US and Europe, bitFlyer's participation is expected to foster greater market collaboration and advance discussions in the Web3 space.
Shoeisha Inc. announces the May 22, 2026 release of 'Reverse Calculation Career Strategy' by Yasuaki Imai. The book outlines a 'W-work' (main job + side job) methodology for 20-somethings to achieve a ¥10 million annual income and build wealth, based on the author's own experience of accumulating a ¥200 million asset and achieving FIRE by age 33.
Mazda implemented Dell PowerScale to consolidate its storage for model-based development and CAD data. This move addressed challenges of rapid data growth and aging infrastructure, leading to a 1/10 reduction in cost per capacity, a 2.5x increase in total storage to 10PB, and simplified operations, while also laying the groundwork for a future AI data lake.
Drone show operator Redcliff Inc. will exhibit at the 11th Japan Drone 2026 from June 3-5 at Makuhari Messe. The company will present its case studies on using drone shows for regional revitalization, display its drone hardware, introduce its STEAM education programs, and seek new business partnerships.
Mov Inc., operator of 'Honichi Lab' and 'Kutikomi com', announces a free online seminar on May 27, 2026. The event, titled 'Prepare for the Summer Inbound Peak! Google Maps Strategy for Accommodations to be Chosen by AI,' will provide accommodation businesses with concrete actions to take on Google Maps to attract the growing number of inbound tourists who rely on AI-driven recommendations.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has unveiled 68 new itineraries for its two vessels, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI and MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, for travel from January 2027 onwards. The offerings are diverse, including spring-themed tours, round-Japan voyages, short weekend trips designed for beginners, and premium experiences with overnight port stays, all provided under an all-inclusive service model.
on the bakery Co., Ltd. has released a white paper, "The Textbook for Trade Show Booth Design," to help companies improve business negotiation conversion rates from trade shows. The paper promotes the use of their marketing tool, "Croissant," which uses interactive online gachas and diagnostic content to attract, engage, and qualify leads more effectively than traditional business card collection.
VAP has released 22 titles from multi-talented celebrity George Tokoro's music catalog, including previously undistributed songs, on major streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, starting May 20, 2026. The collection features numerous singles and albums that served as theme songs for his popular long-running television programs.
Influencer Force Inc., a group company of FUNDiT Inc., announced it has acquired all three official partner certifications for TikTok's e-commerce function, 'TikTok Shop': TikTok Shop Partner (TSP), TikTok Affiliate Partner (TAP), and Creator Agency Partner (CAP). This triple certification establishes a system for providing comprehensive, one-stop support for businesses utilizing TikTok Shop.
Sion Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Creek & River, announces a two-week sequel to the popular Nagoya TV program 'Okamura Men's Club,' starring comedian Takashi Okamura. The episodes, airing May 24th and 31st, will feature Okamura exploring local noodle dishes like Ankake Spaghetti in Sakae and Kishimen in Atsuta, with catch-up streaming available on TVer and Locipo.
TO Books announces that its light novel series, 'I Reincarnated as a Heroine on the Brink of a Bad End...', has exceeded 1.6 million copies in sales (including digital). Launched in 2022, the series has expanded into multiple media formats such as a manga, drama CD, and stage play, with an anime adaptation also underway, highlighting its growing popularity.
The 8-member K-Pop group DKB has released their third Japanese concert DVD, 'DKB The 3rd Concert in Japan 2026 -Vanguard- : Highlight Edition'. The DVD features 75 minutes of highlights from their sold-out January 2026 concert and includes various special merchandise. To commemorate the release, fan events will be held in Tokyo and Osaka, and a separate FanConcert is also scheduled for late May.
U-NEXT has secured the exclusive advance streaming rights for the new comedy film 'Our Anaconda,' starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. The movie, a tribute to the 1997 cult classic 'Anaconda,' is being promoted alongside the availability of the entire original film series and exclusive bonus content on the U-NEXT platform.
Salad Cosmo, a vegetable producer, announces an Instagram campaign to celebrate its 80th anniversary, running from May 20 to June 21, 2026. The campaign offers prizes that reflect the company's history, such as Yoro Cider, which is reminiscent of the ramune it first produced, and its current operations in Yoro, Gifu.
ABEMA broadcasted an episode of 'Naokiman's Urban Legend Wide Show' featuring actor Takayuki Yamada on a bus tour of Kabukicho's underbelly. The tour, guided by experts on the area's dark side, explored urban legends about illegal casinos and dangerous zones, while a separate segment involved a 'chakra diagnosis' of the cast.
Kokuyo conducted a survey on junior and senior high school students, revealing that many study inefficiently for long hours without effective breaks, leading to a lack of motivation and significant eye strain. In response, its Campus brand has collaborated with eyewear brand Zoff to launch new stationery items on May 20th, designed to act as a physical "switch" for taking breaks and promoting a new study style called "off-ben" (off-study).
The Urban Renaissance Agency (UR) is launching its fourth 'Kimochi, Atsumaru Project 2026,' a study tour for students to support the recovery of Fukushima's nuclear disaster-affected areas. The year-long program, themed 'Feel, Think, Engage, and Revisit,' includes a 4-day tour in August 2026, followed by collaborative project planning with locals, a presentation in December, and implementation in February 2027. This initiative, part of UR's 'soft support,' aims to foster an engaged population to aid in the region's revitalization.
Minna no Bank held its first financial education event for high school students and parents on April 12, 2026, in Fukuoka. The event, themed 'BANKING IS PLAYABLE,' aimed to provide practical financial literacy skills by having 8 parent-child pairs manage a 10,000 yen budget using the bank's app for activities like budgeting, cashless payments, and ATM transactions, receiving positive feedback from attendees.
P's-first Holdings announced the certification of its 14th sponsored hearing dog, a Toy Poodle named 'Rin,' on February 22, 2026. This is part of its long-standing CSR 'Pets always come first project,' which has supported the Japan Service Dog Association since 2016 to address the severe shortage of hearing dogs in Japan.
GAORA SPORTS announces a complete live broadcast of the 3-game interleague series between the Hanshin Tigers and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters from May 26-28. Dubbed the "GAORA Derby" because the channel broadcasts home games for both teams, the event will feature an exclusive interview with Torai Fushimi and a special sub-audio channel for the visiting Fighters' fans.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo and online travel service Trip.com have partnered to launch two limited-time parfaits, 'Daylight Trip' and 'Midnight Trip,' available from June 15 to August 16, 2026. The desserts, inspired by travel and Trip.com's brand colors, are complemented by a social media campaign offering a chance to win a hotel stay.
Total Workout has been announced as the official training gym for Miss Universe® Japan 2026 and is currently conducting a program for the semi-finalists. The training includes three workshops covering nutrition and functional workouts, with a new team-based approach. Personalized support is also available through in-person training and online counseling to prepare contestants for the national competition.
Icarus Publishing announced the May 20, 2026 release of Kazuhiro Sawa's new book, 'Island of Naval Guns and Tanks.' The book is a detailed report based on the author's on-site visits to the Pacific islands of Nauru, Tarawa, and Pohnpei, documenting the current state of abandoned WWII Japanese military weapons and providing historical context, while also functioning as a travel guide to these remote locations.
TRIMMERS USA announces the launch of its new 'Check-in 26'' suitcase, an extension of its Carry-on series designed for 5-7 day trips. Key features include a 70L capacity, a wide-opening design for high visibility, an aluminum frame for enhanced durability, and a unique cylindrical handle. A special 15% pre-order discount is being offered with the code PREORDER15.
Author Sayoko Kobayashi, known for her 'piercing' and relatable writing, has released her third novel, 'Minna, Suki ga Heta,' on May 20th. This unique heartbreak novel explores the romantic difficulties of a modern university student in the age of SNS and is already generating significant buzz for its high level of empathy and thought-provoking story.
Five non-profit organizations focused on child poverty will hold a press conference on May 22, 2026, to jointly petition the government for emergency measures. They are requesting cash benefits and a summer safety net program to aid low-income families struggling with severe financial hardship due to inflation.
Short film streaming service SAMANSA announced an expansion of its theatrical screening project for Academy Award®-recognized short films. A new venue, the mini-theater 'Stranger' in Sumida-ku, will host screenings from June 12th to June 18th, adding to the existing locations at Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho and Kineca Omori. The project aims to provide a premium viewing experience for high-quality short films.
Animal Planet, with special sponsorship from Coleman, held the 'Green College 2026' nature camp in Okinawa for 30 elementary school students. The event aimed to foster environmental awareness and personal growth through hands-on activities like beach cleaning, kayaking, and farming, receiving positive feedback from participants and parents for providing a valuable learning experience.
Matchbox Technologies announced it has been selected for continued support under Osaka Prefecture's EPICS acceleration program. The company, which provides a spot work platform for qualified medical personnel, was recognized with an award for its progress and will now focus on service implementation and creating case studies within Osaka to alleviate the severe local healthcare labor shortage.
STRACT Inc.'s AI shopping app 'PLUG' has exceeded 3 million downloads as of April 2026. The app, which automates finding the best deals across over 2,200 sites, has identified a cumulative ¥66.2 billion in potential savings for users. The company positions this milestone as the beginning of the 'Agentic Commerce' era, aiming to solve the user inefficiency of comparing across multiple platforms but purchasing on only one.
Delivery cleaning service 'Lenet' announced it has surpassed 600,000 members. A company-conducted survey of 631 consumers revealed that due to rising prices, 39.9% have altered their clothing habits, leading to a trend of buying fewer items and caring for them more diligently to extend their lifespan.
Environmental NGO Rainforest Action Network (RAN) published a fact sheet alleging that Japanese megabanks MUFG and Mizuho have violated the Equator Principles and their own internal policies by financing the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas. The report claims the project lacks proper stakeholder consultation and the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the indigenous Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe, despite ongoing complaints filed through the JaCER mechanism.
An analysis of over 2,000 sales of 'KIMAGURE' wooden business card holders from June 2024 to May 2026 identified Walnut as the top-selling wood with a 24.7% share. While major cities led in absolute sales, prefectures like Fukui ranked highest per capita, suggesting strong regional demand. The 'Birth Month Wood' series also proved to be a significant driver for gift purchases.
The Curry Research Institute, led by expert Takehisa Inoue, has launched a new YouTube channel, "Curry University Dean's Seminar." A new video on the channel analyzes the 2000-2010 curry boom that established keema and soup curry as staples, and also announces their prediction for the 2026 trend: "2nd Generation Keema Curry."
AlphaDrive's research institute, AX for Revenue Institute, has released a white paper titled 'The Implementation Theory of AX Architects.' The paper introduces the concept of the 'AX Architect' as the new standard for business development talent in the AI era, defining it as a professional who builds upon the skills of a business architect with three unique AI capabilities to achieve 100x transformative impact, distinguishing true AI Transformation (AX) from mere efficiency gains.
Peach Aviation has successfully utilized Shuttlerock Japan's 'Shuttlerock BBF for Instagram' tool for its first-ever Instagram campaign on its Singapore-focused account. The campaign, designed to boost followers and engagement, required users to follow, like, and comment, resulting in over 1,000 entries for a chance to win flight points.
Kirishima Shuzo, in partnership with Starbucks, Miyakonojo City, and the non-profit 'more trees', has initiated a new phase of its 'Miyakonojo Resource Circulation Forest Project (ODEN)'. They have begun selling 'ODEN Stools', made from locally sourced Miyakonojo oak, on the 'more trees' website. This initiative allows consumers to support local reforestation, as a portion of the sales is donated to the project, which also involves creating compost from shochu and coffee waste to nurture seedlings.
To commemorate reaching nearly 2 million members, business template site 'Template BANK' is launching a three-part campaign with a total prize value of 2 million yen. Concurrently, the service is adapting to modern work styles by introducing templates for Google Sheets and Google Docs, along with Google account integration, with plans for future AI-driven services.
LINE Yahoo's 'Yahoo! Transit Guide' app released a report on destination search trends during the 2026 Golden Week. The data, comparing searches to the previous year, showed Miyazaki Prefecture as the top prefecture for increased search volume, with large-scale live events, festivals, and tourist spots driving nationwide travel trends.
Publisher TO Books has announced the August 1, 2026 release of the latest volumes for both the novel and manga of 'Akutou Ikka no Manamusume,' a popular series with over 400,000 copies sold and an anime adaptation in development. The announcement also serves to promote other titles with upcoming releases and anime adaptations, such as 'Heroine? Seijo? Iie, All Works Maid desu (Hokori)!' and 'Bad End Mokuze no Heroine ni Tensei shita Watashi'.
BCC Inc. has published a case study on its end-to-end support for the digital transformation of the 'Excelsior Hadano' nursing home. The project utilized government subsidies to introduce monitoring devices and ICT systems, coupled with network infrastructure development and operational support, to address critical issues like labor shortages and the burden of record-keeping.
I-ne Co., Ltd. announced that its new Osaka headquarters, opened in September 2024, has won the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026. The office was highly praised by an international jury for its design concept 'Social Beauty Innovators BASE,' which successfully integrates biophilic design, sustainable materials, and functional spaces that foster innovation.
Nishimatsuya Chain Co., Ltd. is holding a 'Great Summer Thanksgiving Sale' at all its stores nationwide from May 21st to June 2nd. The promotion features a wide range of new summer apparel for babies and kids, including T-shirts and pajamas, as well as rain gear, jinbei, and affordable products from its private brands 'ELFINDOLL' and 'SmartAngel'.
Pulsar Co., Ltd. announced it has received the "Special Award" at the 12th White Company Awards for the fourth year in a row. The award recognizes the company's commitment to employee well-being and an autonomous corporate culture, aligning with its purpose of creating a company where everyone involved can be happy.
Skincare brand Takami released a new promotional video titled 'Let's move forward with this skin,' starring brand ambassador Mayu Matsuoka. The video showcases Matsuoka's personal journey with her skin and how the 3-minute routine with Takami Skin Peel helps her regain confidence, aligning with the brand's philosophy of nurturing the skin's core metabolism for lasting beauty.
istyle Inc. has announced the winners of the '@cosme Best Cosmetics Awards 2026 Mid-Year New Products'. The analysis reveals a significant shift in consumer behavior, where personal suitability and brand trust are now valued over social media hype. The grand prize winner, d program's 'Moist Care Lotion EX', exemplifies this trend by addressing 'skin protection' needs and earning consumer loyalty through a price reduction amidst inflation.
The travel reservation site 'Good Trip Express' has announced the release of limited-time summer package tours in collaboration with Spring Japan. This follows the airline's decision to add more flights on its Narita-Hakodate, Chubu-Shin-Chitose, and Narita-Shin-Chitose routes, aiming to provide affordable and satisfying travel options for the summer season.
The '2026 Miss Amazake' final selection event was held on May 16, 2026, at Kanda Myojin Hall in Tokyo, crowning Ai Shirai as the first Grand Prix winner. This new cultural audition is a joint project between the Miss SAKE association and Bishoujo Zukan, aimed at cultivating young ambassadors to promote Japanese culture, specifically the traditional non-alcoholic drink amazake, to a global audience.
playknot Inc. released its performance report for fiscal year 2025, detailing eight key projects with industry leaders like Toyota, Citizen, and JR East. The report showcases the company's diverse capabilities in AR/XR, SNS video marketing with 3DCG, web media design, and campaign planning, emphasizing their innovative approach by integrating technologies like generative AI and Python scripting to enhance project efficiency and creative quality.
Val研究所, the company behind the "Eki-spert" route search service, will participate in the "Kyushu Innovation WEEK" on June 3-4, 2026. The company will exhibit its MaaS solutions, including "mixway Package", "mixway API", and "mixway Booking", targeting local governments and businesses to support regional transportation digitalization and problem-solving.
KPMG Consulting was awarded the 'Sales Partner of the Year' for the APAC region by Coupa Software Inc. at the annual 'Coupa Inspire Partner Summit'. This is the first time a Japanese partner has won this award independently, recognizing their significant contribution to transforming customer spend management and fostering business results within the Coupa ecosystem.
Kasumi Co., Ltd. has commenced its summer gift service starting May 19, 2026, available both in-store and via online delivery. The service features a wide range of 591 products, including regional specialties and seasonal items, with promotions such as a 10% early bird discount and free shipping for orders over 2,500 yen.
CRAVIA Inc. reports the successful conclusion of the 'Kstyle PARTY 2026' K-POP festival, where it served as a sales cooperation partner. The event, held at K-Arena Yokohama, featured major artists and received high praise, strengthening CRAVIA's foothold in the entertainment industry and providing valuable experience for future fan marketing and IP-related business ventures.
Tokyo Metro announces its participation in the 2nd Railway Technology Exhibition Osaka 2026, where it will display technologies and services developed from its operational expertise. The exhibit will be structured around five key areas: maintenance, passenger services, cost, environment, and human resources, aiming to provide solutions for railway and other infrastructure businesses.
Riken Technos is collaborating with Tohoku University on a new recycling technology for PVC wire harness coatings. The technology, an advanced wet separation process, uses solvents and a ball mill to achieve higher purity separation of PVC from copper compared to the conventional nugget method. Lab tests have successfully produced a compound with 40% recycled content that matches the physical properties of new materials.
Air New Zealand has announced a 'Scenic Direct Flight' campaign to celebrate its new direct service between Narita and Christchurch, commencing November 27. The campaign, in cooperation with Tourism New Zealand, features a 10% discount on fares and promotes key South Island attractions like Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.
Kasumi Co., Ltd. announces the opening of its 'Kasumi Kamishikidai' store on May 22, 2026, in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki. The new store is a conversion of a former 'Seibu Shokusaikan Nakaminato' and aims to blend the strengths of both Kasumi and Seibu, with a focus on fresh foods, prepared meals, and continuing the sale of popular local products to serve the community.
Nagoya Takashimaya is expanding its 'Umbrella Fes' event in response to rising demand for sun protection due to recent heatwaves. The event, which saw a 90% sales increase last year, will feature a 20% larger sales area and a 10% increase in product quantity, showcasing around 2,000 umbrellas with high-performance features. The offerings are diversified to include items for men and children, as well as hats made from parasol fabric and cooling UV cosmetics, promoting a comprehensive 'carry, wear, apply' approach to sun protection.
Cimtops announced that its field reporting system, i-Reporter, is now an eligible IT tool for the 'Digitalization and AI Introduction Subsidy 2026'. This government program for SMEs provides financial assistance of up to 2/3 of the cost for adopting registered software to improve productivity and promote DX. The company is also releasing a guide to help businesses navigate the application process.
Certify Inc. announced that from May 19, 2026, it has started accepting applications for three public certification exams: the 32nd Net Marketing Test, the 10th SNS Marketing Test, and the 68th Business Copyright Test. All exams are scheduled for August 2, 2026, and will be administered via a remote web testing format that allows candidates to take the test from home or their office.
Luxury brand reseller YOCHIKA is holding the 'Hermès Engraving Season' campaign from May 18-30, 2026. The event promotes the idea of choosing Hermès items by their manufacturing year stamp, offering a curated selection of products with previous years' engravings during the annual market transition to the new stamp.
MFS Inc., operator of the mortgage comparison service 'Mogecheck', has launched a monthly 'Mortgage User Report' based on its user data. The report tracks trends for new loans and refinancing, highlighting a nationwide increase in desired loan amounts to ¥50.96 million and a doubling in the use of ultra-long-term (over 35 years) loans to 30.6% in response to rising property prices.
Neo Japan announced that its groupware product, desknet's NEO, was ranked 10th in the "Best Software in Japan 2026" TOP 100 by the review site ITreview. The product was highly evaluated by users for its operability and ease of information sharing, and also won awards in the groupware and workflow system categories.
Cainz Corporation has announced the winners of its 'Excellent JOB' product awards for 2025, part of its annual 'CAINZ of the year' internal recognition program. The four winning products—Zipper Bags, Snack Series, 'Zeitaku Sozai Gohan' premium dog food, and Fatigue Recovery Support Wear—were selected based on both strong sales performance and high praise from employee votes, reflecting the company's 'Kurashi DIY' brand concept.
Akune City in Kagoshima has appointed the idol group 'Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora' as producers for its 'Akune Genki Project.' The initiative aims to revitalize the city by leveraging the group's popularity. Project leader Nana Shiogama and producer Karen Yanagihori attended a kick-off event, expressing their commitment to promoting the city's charms through collaborations with local youth and PR activities.
Toei Housing announced the completion of 12 detached rental homes under its 'BLOOMING MAISON' brand in Kodaira, Tokyo. The project introduces new features such as varied soundproofing levels, pet-friendly accommodations, and high-quality design, aiming to meet diverse tenant needs.
MARK STYLER's women's fashion brand GYDA is launching its Summer 2026 collection, featuring model Hina Kurose. The new web catalog, released on May 20, 2026, showcases 8 distinct styles under the theme "GEMYNTAR," blending street and feminine elements, and is available on the official e-commerce site, RUNWAY channel.
A survey of 7,600 people by Solar Partners found that 40% of new homeowners begin planning their exterior construction after the main house construction has started. This often leads to delays, as the process takes over two months. The company advises starting 5-6 months before the property handover.
Management Solutions (MSOL) announces its participation in the 'AI Agent DXPO Nagoya '26' exhibition, where it will showcase PROEVER®, an AI-driven project management platform. The platform leverages MSOL's 20 years of PMO expertise to address issues like project opacity, lack of governance, and talent development, aiming to enhance decision-making and project quality for large enterprises.
Spigen, a mobile accessory brand with a 19-year history, is announcing its participation in Amazon Japan's 'Early Summer Bargain SALE' and 'Smile SALE'. The promotion offers discounts of up to 30% on a wide range of products, including highly protective cases and screen protectors for the latest smartphones like the (hypothetical) iPhone 17e, Galaxy S26, and Pixel 10a, as well as innovative accessories for the Mac mini M4.
Chance Maker Co., Ltd., which operates the novelty goods site 'Hansoku Hanako,' has announced a campaign to celebrate the launch of its new product, the 'kohana Heart Fusen.' The company is offering 10 corporations the chance to receive 50 custom-designed units for free. This initiative aims to let businesses experience the promotional effectiveness of the new item, which is designed to be a 'delight to receive' novelty good, aligning with modern market trends.
Triad Japan, a clinical trial support organization (SMO), has published a report on its online seminar titled 'Considering Schizophrenia Treatment and Options with Patients and Families,' held on April 25, 2026. Released on International Clinical Trials Day (May 20), the report details the event's success as a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activity, highlighting that over 90% of attendees gained a deeper understanding of the topic and over 60% developed a more positive view of clinical trials.
Adecco Japan announced it has been awarded a contract by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to operate the 'FY2026 Tokyo Future Work Style Promotion Project.' The initiative is designed to help SMEs in Tokyo address labor shortages by improving productivity through technology and flexible work arrangements, supported by forums, expert consultations, and awards.
Lec Inc. has announced the launch of a new TV commercial for its "Guronsan Yojinbo®" product, starting May 16, 2026. The ad campaign uniquely features an AI-generated revival of the iconic actor Toshiro Mifune in a black-and-white style inspired by the classic film "Yojimbo".
YD-Plants Co., Ltd. has launched an official online store for its 'SOWAKAPURE' brand, which previously achieved 600% of its funding goal on the Makuake crowdfunding platform. The brand, which focuses on plant-derived ingredients for mental and physical balance, is now available for general sale due to high user demand.
Three companies of the Hankyu Hanshin Holdings group—Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway, and iTEC Hankyu Hanshin—have announced their joint participation in the '2nd Mass-Trans Innovation Japan Osaka 2026'. The exhibition, scheduled for May 2026, will feature their latest advancements, including new rolling stock (Hankyu 2300 series, Hanshin 3000 series), next-generation systems leveraging AI for maintenance and safety, and environmental sustainability efforts.
ABEMA has announced that its original matchmaking reality show 'Girl or Lady 3' will premiere on June 14, 2026. The theme song for the new season is a new song, 'That’s All I Wish', written by the rock band OKAMOTO'S. The song, which reflects the show's dramatic search for a life partner, will be released on the same day as the premiere.
Kuchofuku Co., Ltd. has released a special webpage and video featuring ambassador Yuji Nakazawa. He visited the home stadium of club partner Kawasaki Frontale to report on how the ground staff utilize the company's Air-Conditioned Clothing(R) to mitigate heat during demanding outdoor work, capturing authentic user testimonials.
J-Stream has announced a promotional campaign for its AI video generation service, EQ Presentation Cloud. The campaign, valid for contracts signed by September 2026, doubles the video generation count in the first year and increases storage by 1.6x, aiming to facilitate the conversion of existing corporate documents into video format.
Algomatic, a generative AI company, announced its office relocation to a significantly larger space in Ginza to support its expansion. The move aims to foster better communication and collaboration and is coupled with a strengthened recruitment drive under a new management system planned for June 2026.
Takara Leben, Tokyo Tatemono, and Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate announced the successful sell-out of all 304 units of their joint condominium project, 'Leben Wako THE GRANDE' in Wako City, Saitama. The large-scale residence, notable for its size and convenient location near Tokyo, also features a disaster preparedness service for residents, aligning with the developers' sustainability goals.
Trail Heads Inc., in collaboration with Far Yeast Brewing Inc., announced a donation of ¥143,190 to the NPO Tama Genryu Kosuge. This amount represents about 10% of the sales from their jointly produced outdoor beer, 'BACK TO RIVER Echo', and supports the NPO's activities in the Tama River headwaters, aligning with the 'BACK TO RIVER' project's mission of river conservation.
Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace announces a limited-time 'Welcome Drink Bar' from June 1st to June 30th, 2026. Guests can enjoy complimentary canned alcoholic and soft drinks in the ocean-view lobby from 15:00 to 23:00. This service is being implemented to enrich the guest experience during the closure of the large public bath for renovation.
Monogatari Corporation announces the grand opening of its 'Marugen Ramen Nagoya Uedanishi Store' on May 27, 2026. The new location will feature the chain's signature 'Niku Soba' and will launch a promotional 'Triple Stamp Campaign' via its official app for new members until June 30, 2026, to drive initial traffic.
Crasco Group, a real estate and technology company, has launched a new talk show program, "PENGUIN. The Inside Story of Crasco," as a recruitment branding initiative. The show features CEO Norihiro Komura discussing the company's philosophy, behind-the-scenes projects, and problem-solving approaches to attract candidates who value the company's culture of innovation over traditional job metrics.
Kort Valuta Inc. announces a webinar for HR and management personnel on creating flexible employee benefit schemes using points convertible to e-money. This strategy is presented as a 'third type of wage increase' aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction and retention amidst challenges like labor shortages and rising costs, with their 'TwooCa' service as a key tool.
Atom Law Group, comprised of Atom Law Firm and Atom Legal Information Co., Ltd., hosted a joint social event for its staff. The purpose was to bridge the gap between the legal and IT departments, fostering better communication and teamwork to enhance the overall quality and efficiency of their legal services.
Fitness brand VALX is partnering with Kagome to host a promotional tasting event for their new recommended combination: VALX whey protein mixed with Kagome's 'Almond Breeze' almond milk. The event, held at MEGA Don Quijote Narimasu on May 23, 2026, will feature an appearance by VALX supervisor Yamamoto Yoshinori and offer special purchase benefits to attendees.
BRILLIANCE+, a diamond jewelry brand, announces its 'June Bride Fair' running from May 22 to June 30, 2026. The campaign features two main promotions: a 10% discount on wedding bands for customers who purchase a set of three rings (one engagement, two wedding) simultaneously at a showroom, and a ¥1,000 discount coupon for users who complete an online style diagnosis on their website.
The design firm issue+design has opened applications for its 2027 recruitment of 'Co-designers,' targeting both recent graduates and mid-career professionals. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, and the selection process includes a mandatory residential program called the 'Sea Design School'.
RecoChoku has announced its May 2026 "Breakthrough" artists, Rana Merisa and Ciely, as part of its monthly initiative to discover and promote promising new talent through its platforms and social media.
SURF Music, a digital marketplace for music creators, and the band chilldspot have announced the release of the winning track from their 'Neon wo Keshite' remix contest. The grand prize winner, producer Sam is Ohm, had his remix included in chilldspot's new remix EP, 'prank call – remix #001', which was released today.
NIPPN Corporation announces it will hold the 9th 'NIPPN Food and Swimming Class' on May 31, 2026, in collaboration with the Japan Swimming Federation. The event, targeting about 50 young swimmers at Toho Swimming Club, will feature Olympians Kyoko Iwasaki and Keita Sunama as guest instructors for both a nutrition seminar and a practical swimming session, as part of the company's ongoing CSR initiatives.
Singer-songwriter Koresawa released a new digital single, 'Zutto Ichiban ni Shite ne,' on May 20th. The song is the ending theme for the TV anime 'Kurasu de 2-banme ni Kawaii Onnanoko to Tomodachi ni Natta.' A music video premiered on YouTube at 21:00 on the same day. Additionally, Koresawa announced her first-ever 20-city national hall tour, set to begin in September.
Manraku Co., Ltd. has launched a special promotion for Father's Day 2026, offering domestically produced eel products through its official online store. The campaign highlights gift-ready items like 'Nagayaki Kiwami' and cut eel slices, supported by services such as special gift wrapping, nationwide delivery, and early bird discounts to position eel as a celebratory meal for the occasion.
The Japanese movie channel 'The Cinema' announced a special broadcast for May 24th to coincide with the Cannes Film Festival. The feature will showcase six past festival award-winners, including Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Leave' (Best Director 2022), Alejandro G. Iñárritu's 'Babel' (Best Director 2006), and Julia Ducournau's 'TITANE' (Palme d'Or 2021).
FP Consulting, a financial education and planning firm, has become an official sponsor for the 'FUKUOKA OH SADAHARU LEGACY PROJECT' launched by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks baseball team. The company states its alignment with the project's goal of fostering future generations, which resonates with its own purpose of improving financial literacy. A special event, 'OH SADAHARU LEGACY DAY,' is scheduled for May 24, 2026, to commemorate the project.
Cow Brand Soap's 'SkinLife' skincare series, a brand with a 63-year history, has partnered with popular Gen Z artist Ren for a collaboration. This partnership includes the release of a new song, 'bubble days,' on May 20th, a music video premiere on May 22nd, a release-day livestream, and cross-promotional activities on both SkinLife's and Ren's social media channels.
Plenus, a top partner of the Nadeshiko League, announces its 26th girls' soccer clinic to be held in Chiba on June 20th. The event, organized with Orca Kamogawa FC, targets girls aged 6-15, offering soccer training and a food education component to broaden the base of women's soccer in Japan.
Jewelry brand JAM HOME MADE announces its 28th-anniversary campaign scheduled for 2026. To thank its customers, the brand will offer a limited-edition set of three novelty badges and an anniversary coupon starting May 22, 2026. The press release also highlights the brand's history of innovation, including its award-winning 'Nameless Ring®' DIY kit, and its core philosophy inspired by improvisational 'jam sessions'.
Mogic Inc. has upgraded its learning support system, Pholly, by adding a repetitive learning capability to its OSCE checklist function. This enhancement allows medical students to repeatedly practice for clinical exams, with features for both teachers to track progress and students to review their performance. The system is also eligible for a government subsidy of up to 1.5 million yen.
Aderans Inc. announced the renewal opening of its 'Fontaine' women's wig store at the Kintetsu Department Store in Kashihara on May 20th. The store will relocate from the 5th to the 2nd floor, expand its sales area by 1.5 times, and introduce a new fully private room to improve the quality of consultations and fittings, aiming for higher customer satisfaction.
PARCELLE JEWELRY, a brand from Ebisu, Tokyo, announces a seven-day pop-up shop at Daimaru Sapporo's first-floor event space, running from May 27 to June 2, 2026. This marks their second event in Sapporo, offering a range of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces including new summer colors and exclusive collections. The brand highlights its diverse product lines, which feature antique motifs, colored stones, natural diamonds, silver, botanical designs, and pearls.
Miroku Jyoho Service (MJS) announces its participation in the 25th Accounting & Finance EXPO in Tokyo, scheduled for June 17-19, 2026. The company will exhibit its suite of DX solutions, including AI-driven ERP systems (Galileopt DX, MJSLINK DX) and cloud services (MJS e-document Cloud, Edge Tracker), aimed at enhancing back-office efficiency for medium and small enterprises.
Apaman Shop, a leading real estate brokerage, has launched the second video of its '50-syllable dance project' on May 20th. This installment features the mascot Hani-chan showcasing the charms of Ikebukuro through a short dance, aiming to promote regional appeal and community engagement.
The Kawasaki City Waterworks and Sewerage Bureau held a nighttime comprehensive drainage drill at the Suwa Drainage Sluice Pipe on April 24th. This exercise, prompted by the lessons from the 2019 East Japan Typhoon, aimed to bolster flood response for the upcoming rainy season by practicing the deployment of pump vehicles and inter-agency communication.
Fuji Dream Airlines announced the fuel surcharge for June 2026, citing a sharp rise in Singapore Kerosene prices (US$200.44/barrel) and the exchange rate (159.28 JPY/USD) in April 2026. The airline has revised its surcharge table and route categories to reflect these high costs, but the final applied fee is reduced from the reference amount thanks to a government subsidy.
AEON PET announces its fifth consecutive year of participation in the 'Laketown Disaster Prevention Fest 2026' on May 23-24. The company aims to promote pet disaster preparedness by showcasing a 'doctor car,' disaster supplies, and introducing new, practical content such as solutions for pet odor issues in shelters and interactive training events for owners and pets.
M&A Best Partners, in collaboration with the One Million People's Classic Live foundation, announces the third installment of its 47-prefecture classical music tour. This free concert, part of the company's CSR activities, is scheduled for May 24, 2026, at Aeon Mall Takaoka in Toyama, and will feature performances by violinist Munefusa Takahashi and pianist Mai Onishi.
Robot Bank Co., Ltd. announces its 'Spring Introduction Support Campaign' to facilitate robot adoption. The campaign includes three key programs: a trial with a ¥0 down payment for select models, a 3-year free replacement guarantee for defects, and the issuance of certificates for tax benefits like immediate depreciation.
The enter-tech platform BIGC announced it will exclusively live-stream and provide VOD services for the K-pop group AB6IX's 7th-anniversary concert, '6IX TO SEVEN', on May 23rd and 24th. Ticket sales began on May 18th, offering various packages that include special benefits like exclusive photo cards for fans worldwide.
Publisher Futabasha announces the upcoming release of 'Meguru Ito: Meiji Roman Reiitan', a new novel by Naoki Prize winner Sayako Nagai, on May 20, 2026. The book is a Meiji-era human drama and mystery featuring a duo—a university student who sees ghosts and a nobleman's son passionate about spiritual research—who solve strange cases, tapping into the renewed interest in Meiji-era ghost stories.
Shinchosha has launched "Shincho QUE," a new subscription digital media platform for non-fiction content. Its launch features an 8,000-character article by Anders Hansen, author of 'Smartphone Brain,' who analyzes the risks AI poses to humanity, including cognitive decline and social division, and discusses how to manage this new technology.
RAVIPA Co., Ltd. announces its participation in the '2026 Amazon Early Summer Shopping SALE' from May 20th to May 27th. During this period, the company's ASHADA and ZUKKACHIN skincare series will be available for up to 15% off, featuring products like cleansing balms, serums, and creams.
Z-kai Edutece, a Z-kai Group company, is conducting a promotional campaign from May 18 to June 28, 2026. The campaign targets first and second-year high school students and their parents, offering a free, exclusive video explaining the increasingly prevalent "Comprehensive and School-Recommended Selection" university admission systems to anyone who requests informational materials about Z-kai's classrooms.