Luxury Watch Special Feature

The series will highlight designs that differ from current models, as well as the rarity and unique character of each individual timepiece. Additionally, customers can view the actual watches at the atelier in Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.We present watches not merely as practical items, but as accessories to be worn, much like fashion or jewelry. We aim to offer a new perspective on selecting luxury watch brands to those who value timepieces as “a lifelong companion,” “a piece uniquely their own,” and “an heirloom to pass down to future generations.”

Feature Page: https://sweetcompass.shop/pages/luxury-vintage-watches

Official Online Store: https://sweetcompass.shop/

■Background

As more people seek “personal expression” and “heirloom value” in watches, we have turned our attention to brand-name and luxury watches as an option.

In recent years, the fashion and jewelry industries have seen a growing trend toward valuing not just quantity or novelty, but also the ability to use items for a long time and the unique character of each individual piece. Similarly, watches are increasingly viewed as expressions of the wearer’s aesthetic sensibilities and individuality.

Brand-name and luxury watches, in particular, feature unique designs and materials not found in current models, as well as the historical context of their era. They also possess a patina that can only be achieved over many years, and a major characteristic is that each piece has its own distinct character.The fact that these watches are perceived not merely as “old” timepieces, but as items whose charm and value have deepened over the years, is a characteristic unique to brand-name and luxury watches.

At Mico Jewelry, we’ve organized a special feature focused on brand-name and luxury watches based on the belief that watches, just like jewelry, should be enjoyed as “a means of expressing one’s individuality.” This initiative is designed to meet the needs of those who want to choose a timepiece that holds personal significance, rather than a current model shared by everyone else.

Product Lineup 01

■ Highlights of This Feature

We are featuring luxury watches with designs and rarity not found in current models as a special showcase on our official online store, and you can view the actual pieces in our atelier.

Furthermore, as a jewelry store, Mico Jewelry presents watches not merely as practical items, but as objects to be enjoyed just like fashion and jewelry. Viewing a watch as an accessory that adorns your wrist offers a fresh perspective for selecting your next timepiece—even for those who already own a brand-name watch.

Furthermore, one of the key features of this initiative is that while the watches are showcased as a special feature on our official online store, you can also view the actual pieces in person at our Atelier.There are many aspects of luxury watches—such as the expression of the dial, the feel of the case, and the overall presence—that can only be truly appreciated when seen in person. By providing an environment where customers can examine the actual watches after reviewing the special feature on our online store, we support them in making a watch selection they’ll be fully satisfied with.

At Mico Jewelry, we will continue to use our selection of brands and luxury watches to help each customer discover “the one watch that’s just for them,” while also creating opportunities for customers to experience our store’s unique selection and expertise.

■Event Overview

Release Date: First Installment – Friday, September 11, 2026

　　　　　Rolex Feature

　　　　　Part 2: Friday, September 18, 2026

　　　　　Brand Watch Special Feature (Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, etc.)

Feature Page URL: https://sweetcompass.shop/pages/luxury-vintage-watches

Official Online Store URL: https://sweetcompass.shop/

Part 1: Rolex 01

Part 2: Brand-Name Watches

■ Atelier Overview

Name: Mico Jewelry Atelier

Address: 1-7-6 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032, KITEN Iwamotocho 1F

Access: 3-minute walk from Kodemmachō Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

■Customer Inquiries

Sweet Compass Co., Ltd.

Phone: 03-5809-2725

Email: info@sweetcompass.shop

■Company Overview

Company Name: Sweet Compass Co., Ltd.

Address: 1F KITEN Iwamotocho, 1-7-6 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032

Representative: Mihoko Hatae, Representative Director

Business Activities: Operation of an online jewelry store

Official Website: https://sweetcompass.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_compass/

Official Online Store: https://sweetcompass.shop/

Silver Week Limited-Time Banquet

Tokyo, Kanagawa, andSaitama, the “Uokin” and “UOKIN” banquet courses operated by Uokin Co., Ltd.—which include a 2.5-hour all-you-can-drink plan (normally 5,000 yen per person, tax included)—will be available for 4,000 yen per person (tax included) exclusively from Sunday, September 20, through Wednesday, September 23.

Plus!

We’re also adding a great value 【Organizer Discount】!

[Organizer Discount]

For groups of 4–7 people → Half-price for the organizer (1 person)

For groups of 8 or more → One organizer’s meal is free

We accept same-day reservations. Please feel free to contact any of our locations.

Click here for restaurant information

https://www.uokingroup.jp

Silver Week Limited-Time Course

◆Company Overview◆

Company Name: Uogin Co., Ltd.

Representative: Nobuyoshi Kanahara, Representative Director

Address: 1st Floor, Shin-San Building, 3-5-10 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004

Established: June 10, 1994

Business Activities: Restaurant management

Capital: 10 million yen

URL: https://uokingroup.jp/

Now in its eighth year, this year’s event will feature both an “In-Person Textile Region Tour,” where participants visit local companies in person, and an “Online Textile Region Tour,” which uses videos to showcase the region’s advanced technical skills and the appeal of manufacturing.The “Online Textile Region Tour” will feature programs introducing the various products made in the region and the different career paths within the textile industry, as well as programs following a day in the life of a young employee and videos showcasing the region’s history and current state. The content is designed to appeal to a wide audience, ranging from high school students to vocational school and college students.

This is a valuable opportunity to experience firsthand the integrated manufacturing techniques unique to this region and the appeal of working there. A diverse range of companies in the region are waiting to welcome students interested in the textile industry—including those interested in school uniforms, work uniforms, jeans, denim, woven fabrics, and dyeing and finishing—as well as those looking to change careers!

■ Date, Time, and Location

・Online Textile Production Region Tour

October 1, 2026 (Thu) – November 30, 2026 (Mon)

Seven episodes, each approximately 30–60 minutes long, are scheduled to be streamed

・In-Person Textile Production Region Tour

November 4 (Wed), 10 (Tue), and 18 (Wed), 2026, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Times may vary slightly by tour)

Meeting Point: JR Kurashiki Station and other locations

■ Details and How to Apply

Please register via the special website (https://k-ff.jp/2026/).

Application Deadline: Online Textile Production Area Tour: Friday, September 18

　　　　　In-Person Textile Production Area Tour: Wednesday, October 21 *First-come, first-served

■Event Page

URL: https://k-ff.jp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurashiki_fashion_frontier

Online Textile Production Area Tour

In-Person Textile Production Region Tour

■Textile Expo Participating and Supporting Companies (in no particular order)

Akashi School Uniform Company, Ltd., Sugako Gakuseifuku Co., Ltd., Tombo Co., Ltd., Kaitaiku Trading Co., Ltd., Joa Co., Ltd., Celery Co., Ltd.,Kuwa Co., Ltd., I’ms Co., Ltd., Aoki Clothing Co., Ltd., INAHO Co., Ltd., Japan Blue Co., Ltd., Kaku-Minami Clothing Co., Ltd., Kaita-ku International Co., Ltd. (Soja Kaita-ku Factory), Domingo Co., Ltd., Nice Corporation,Niyonichi LLC, Big John Co., Ltd., Betty Smith Co., Ltd., Bobson Co., Ltd., Wired Co., Ltd., Eridate Hat Factory Co., Ltd., Kouritsu Co., Ltd., Sanyo High Cleaner Co., Ltd., Toyowa Co., Ltd., Kuroki Co., Ltd.,Takada Textiles Co., Ltd., Ikeda Cord Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Kurashiki City Kojima Industrial Promotion Center Designers Incubation

List of Participating Companies

naderu in the Palm of Your Hand

It was developed by Yoshihisa Watanabe, a 62-year-old lacquer artisan who has spent over 30 years in Nagahama City restoring Buddhist altars and lacquerware for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival.

Lacquer has traditionally been used as a material to enrich daily life, such as in “tableware” and “furniture.” However, “naderu” is neither tableware nor interior decor.

It is a “tactile meditation tool” that allows you to create a moment of self-reflection simply by gently stroking it in the palm of your hand, allowing you to feel the deep luster, smooth texture, and warmth of the wood that are unique to lacquer.

■A New Value for Lacquer Discovered by a Master Craftsman Who Has Dedicated Over 30 Years to the Art

For many years, while working on the restoration of Buddhist altars, cultural properties, and lacquerware for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, I have continually asked myself, “In what form can lacquer exist in the daily lives of people living in the modern world?”

“naderu” was born as the answer to that question.

In recent years, interest in mindfulness and Zen has been growing worldwide. I believe the texture and warmth of lacquer—a craft Japan has nurtured since ancient times—possess the power to quietly soothe the human spirit. This project began from my desire to share that potential with the world.

■Confirmation at the Tokyo Gift Show: “This Will Succeed Globally”

A major turning point came in February 2026, when we exhibited independently at “Show LIFE×DESIGN.” Visitors from both Japan and abroad picked up “naderu” and shared comments such as, “I couldn’t help but keep touching it,” “It calms my mind,” and “It’s an experience unlike anything I’ve ever had.”

Even without a common language, its value is conveyed the moment it is touched. That experience was the catalyst that led us to decide to take on the challenge of expanding overseas.

■ “Tactile Craftsmanship” Made Possible by Lacquer

“naderu” is crafted by applying multiple layers of natural lacquer to an egg-shaped wooden base, then repeating the process of drying and polishing numerous times to achieve the final finish.

The lineup incorporates a variety of traditional Japanese lacquer techniques, including “fuki-urushi” (which highlights the wood grain), “kigi-ro” (a mirror-like finish achieved by repeatedly layering translucent lacquer), “nashi-ji” (a textured finish using tin powder), “raden” (inlaid with the shimmer of mother-of-pearl), and “Negoro” (a finish that changes in appearance the more it is used).

A sense of comfort that cannot be conveyed simply by looking—it is only understood when touched.

“naderu” aims to create such “tactile crafts.”

■The Wishes Embedded in the “Egg,” a Universal Symbol

“naderu” uses the “egg”—a symbol of the birth and regeneration of life, as well as new beginnings—as its motif.

In the West, there is a culture of Easter eggs, and their familiar shape serves as a symbol that resonates across national and cultural boundaries.

We hope to serve as a small bridge connecting Japan’s lacquer culture with cultures around the world.

■More Than Just Delivering Products: Passing on Japan’s Lacquer Culture to the Future

What we aim to deliver is not just a single product. It is the lacquer culture passed down in Nagahama and the very essence of craftsmanship cultivated by Japanese artisans.

My global challenge, begun at age 62, has only just begun.

■Product Information

Material: Natural wood (Japanese zelkova), natural lacquer

Size: naderu Small – Length 60mm, Width 45mm

　　　　 naderu Large: Length 70 mm, Width 54 mm

Price: Wiped-lacquer finish—Small: 14,000 yen; Large: 16,000 yen

　　　　 Wood Base: Small 24,000 yen, Large 26,000 yen

　　　　 Negoro: Small 28,000 yen, Large 30,000 yen

　　　　 Nashiji: Small 34,000 yen, Large 36,000 yen

　　　　 Raden: Small 58,000 yen, Large 60,000 yen

　　　　 Early-bird discounts and set discounts available

5 types of Naderu

・Kickstarter Project Page (Launched September 8, 2026)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/naderu/naderu-egg-the-lacquer-meditation-tool-for-your-hands?lang=ja

Japanese Painting Exhibition Poster

At the first venue, Ginza, Tokyo, a solo exhibition is currently underway at “Gallery Ginza” from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, through Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The second venue is Pietrasanta, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The exhibition will be held at “Galleria Il Cesello” from Friday, October 30, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, and is sponsored by the City of Pietrasanta.

After that, the exhibition will move to its third venue in Juvisy-sur-Orge, near Paris, France, where works will be on display for two days—Saturday, November 7, and Sunday, November 8, 2026—at “Peniche Bali.”

From Tokyo to Italy, and then to France.

“From a place where Eastern and Western cultures converge, bringing the beauty and prayers of Japanese painting to the world.”

We will bring the world of “prayer”—which Shunryu Aoki has been depicting for many years—not only to Japan but also to Europe.

Weeping Cherry Blossoms

■ Depicting “Prayer”

At the heart of Haruryu Aoki’s artistic practice lies “prayer.”

While struggling with a nationally designated intractable disease and facing various hardships, he encountered Buddhist painting and has continued his work with a positive outlook.

The works born from this experience carry more than just the meaning of religious paintings; they embody

“never giving in to despair and moving forward,”

“the sanctity of life,”

“salvation,”

“world peace,”

“people’s health and happiness”

are all embodied in this work.

Through the traditional art form of Japanese painting, the goal is to convey “prayers” that can be shared across nationalities, languages, cultures, and religions. That is the central theme of this world tour.

Scene from the creation process while my dominant arm was fractured

Dainichi Nyorai from the Taizō Mandala at Kanzō-in Temple

■ Venue 1: Ginza, Tokyo

Haruryu Aoki World Tour 2026: Tokyo Edition

Dates: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Sunday, September 13, 2026

Hours: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

　　　　　 *Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day

Venue: Gallery Ginza

　　　　　 1F, 2-13-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

　　　　　 03-3541-6655

■Second Venue: Pietrasanta, Italy

Shunryu Aoki Japanese Painting Exhibition “Prayer”

Dates: Friday, October 30, 2026 – Sunday, November 1, 2026

Venue: Galleria Il Cesello

　　　　　 Via Stagio Stagi, 64

　　　　　 55045 Pietrasanta LU, Italy

Sponsored by: City of Pietrasanta (Comune di Pietrasanta)

A key milestone in this European exhibition is the solo exhibition in Pietrasanta, Italy.

This exhibition is held with the support of the City of Pietrasanta.

Works transported from Japan will be exhibited on-site, directly conveying to the Italian public the unique Japanese art form of Nihonga and the “prayers” embedded in the works.

■ Venue 3: Near Paris, France

Dates: Saturday, November 7, 2026; Sunday, November 8, 2026

Venue: Peniche Bali

　　　　 4 Quai J.P. Timbaud

　　　　 91260 Juvisy-sur-Orge, France

Following the conclusion of the Italy exhibition, the artworks will be transported to France.

The third venue, Juvisy-sur-Orge, is located in the suburbs of Paris, where a two-day exhibition will be held at Peniche Bali.

Japan, Italy, and France. By exhibiting works in places with distinct cultural backgrounds, we explore how the “prayer” depicted by Shunryu Aoki is received across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Dainichi Nyorai from the Kongo-kai Mandala at Kanzo-in Temple

■ “Shunryu Aoki World Tour 2026” Event Overview

Title: Aoki Shunryu World Tour 2026

Theme: “Prayer”

Venues: Tokyo, Japan

　　　　　 Pietrasanta, Italy

　　　　　 Juvisy-sur-Orge, France

Dates: September 8–November 8, 2026

Tokyo Exhibition: September 8 (Tue) – 13 (Sun), 2026

　　　　　　 Gallery Ginza

Italy Exhibition: October 30, 2026 (Fri) – November 1, 2026 (Sun)

　　　　　　 Galleria Il Cesello

　　　　　　 Sponsored by the City of Pietrasanta

France Exhibition: November 7 (Sat) and 8 (Sun), 2026

　　　　　　 Peniche Bali

Official Website: https://blsjapan.info/aoki/

■ Shunryu Aoki Profile

Shunryu Aoki

Japanese-style painter. Master’s degree (Art: Kyoto University of the Arts Graduate School). Currently enrolled in the Department of Esoteric Buddhism, Faculty of Letters, Koyasan University, where he conducts research and creates works centered on Buddhist paintings and mandalas.Building on traditional Japanese painting techniques, he creates works centered on the themes of “prayer,” “life,” and “nature.” His works have been selected for numerous open-call exhibitions, and his piece “Mid-Autumn Full Moon” was chosen for the “Asuka III × Art Collection.” In 2026, he will embark on a world tour of Japanese painting, traveling through Tokyo, Italy, and France.

Artist Photo

Purchase site: https://parada.resnow.jp/

Ski Slopes

With this season’s Super Early Bird Sale, adult season passes—normally priced at 50,000 yen—are available for 20,000 yen. This is a great deal offering a 30,000 yen discount (60% off the regular price), allowing you to enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Parada as often as you like throughout the season.

Plus, this season we’re introducing a new “Kinder” season pass for children!

Under the theme “Make it easier to head to the mountains with your kids,” we’ve put together a lineup that lets parents and children enjoy Parada together all season long.

Our ski school is also popular

■ Regular price: 50,000 yen → Now 20,000 yen! “Super Early Bird” discount available only before the season starts

For those who want to “ski a lot this season” or “head to the mountains with the family many times,” we’ve prepared a special price available only before the season starts.

[Super Early Bird Season Pass]

Sales Period: September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026

・Adult: Regular price 50,000 yen → 20,000 yen

・Seniors: Regular price 45,000 yen → 20,000 yen

・Elementary and Middle School Students: Regular price 30,000 yen → 15,000 yen

・Kindergarten: Regular price 20,000 yen → 10,000 yen

Adults receive 60% off the regular price. Additionally, we’ve introduced a new “Kindergarten” tier this year, making it easier for families with young children to choose a season pass.

When the whole family has season passes, you can enjoy the mountains in a relaxed way—without feeling limited to just a full day of skiing—whether you decide, “The weather’s nice today, let’s go!” “Let’s just ski in the morning,” or “Let’s have fun playing in the snow with the kids.”

■ “It’s Great to Be So Close!” Enjoy the Snowy Mountains with Your Kids More Casually

A major feature of Saku Ski Garden “Parada” is its excellent access, with direct access to the “Saku-daira PA” on the Joshin’etsu Expressway.

You can reach the resort without ever leaving the highway, and it’s only about 90 minutes from the Tokyo area.

Especially when traveling with young children, the “trip to the mountains” can be a major hassle.

That’s why Parada aims to minimize travel time and the stress of driving on snowy roads as much as possible, so families can come and enjoy the mountains more easily.

“Wake up in the morning, see the nice weather, and head to Parada.”

Being able to enjoy the mountains so conveniently is something only Parada—with its direct connection to the expressway—can offer.

This season, with the motto “It’s great to be close!”, we’ll support your family’s winter adventures—from your child’s first time on the slopes to many winter seasons of fun for the whole family.

Ski Slopes

■ It’s Not Just About Skiing! Parada—Fun for the Whole Family

At Parada, we place great importance on creating slopes where children can experience the joy of the mountains—not just through skiing and snowboarding, but through all the activities we offer.

From slopes designed for families and kids to Kids’ Land where they can fully enjoy playing in the snow, everyone—from children experiencing snow for the first time to families who love skiing and snowboarding—can enjoy the day in their own way.

With the new Kinder Season Pass introduced this year, you can enjoy the slopes with your children more casually and more conveniently.

We hope you’ll create many “mountain memories” at Parada during the 2026–27 season.

[Facility Overview]

PARADA Logo Sign

Facility Name: Saku Ski Garden PARADA

Location: ・North Parada: 2066-1 Kamihirao, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture

　　　　・South Parada: 2681 Shimohirao, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture

Overview:

Saku Ski Garden PARADA is a ski resort directly connected to the expressway, consisting of two areas: North PARADA and South PARADA.

During the winter season, operations are centered on North Parada, offering snow play and skiing experiences for families and beginners.

At Kita Parada,

・An outdoor Kids’ Land and an indoor Kids’ Land

・Childcare center (same-day registration available)

・Ski and snowboard schools

, creating an environment that is easy for families with children and beginners to enjoy.

Minami Parada features:

・An insect experience learning center open year-round

・The day-trip hot spring facility “Hirao Onsen Miharashi no Yu”

and operates as a tourist destination that can be enjoyed year-round.

*The Minami Parada ski resort is scheduled to open in mid-January.

Official website: https://www.saku-parada.jp/

Poster Presentation

We had previously announced plans for this presentation in a press release in August 2026; this report details the actual presentation held at the conference, along with feedback received from pharmacists and pharmacy professionals from around the world.

The presentation focused on a program for children on the proper use of medicines that leverages the values of sports, based on anti-doping education.

In January 2026, we implemented a 90-minute educational program—combining lectures, medicine experiments, and card games—for approximately 150 elementary school students at two local elementary schools on the island of Bali, Indonesia. We conducted surveys before and after the program and quantitatively evaluated its effectiveness by comparing changes in knowledge regarding medicines and other factors.

At FIP2026, we presented a report on these educational practices and learning outcomes under the title “Education on the Appropriate Use of Medicines through Game-Based Learning Grounded in Sporting Values: Learning Outcomes in Elementary Schools in Indonesia.”

In addition, an abstract of this study is scheduled for publication in the journal *Pharmacy Education*.

■ Introducing Our Activities to Pharmacists and Pharmacy Professionals from Over 10 Countries

During the poster session, we directly introduced the research content and the activities of sports pharmacists in Japan to approximately 20 pharmacists and pharmacy professionals from more than 10 countries.

In addition to receiving positive feedback praising the creativity of these educational methods—which utilize card games and characters—as initiatives led by pharmacists, there was also significant interest in the fact that Japanese pharmacists are involved not only in anti-doping but also in athlete support, the proper use of medications, and health education.

Despite differences in national contexts and the environments surrounding pharmacists, many pharmacists expressed interest in activities that support sports and athletes’ health, making this a valuable opportunity to exchange views with pharmacists from various countries.

■ An Educational Program Born from the Practice of Sports Pharmacists

This educational program utilized the card game “Doping Guardian,” developed by Midoriya Pharmacy LLC, as well as “Doping Yokai,” an educational resource featuring characters based on the categories of the WADA Prohibited List.

“Doping Guardian” is a card game originally developed as an anti-doping educational tool for professional athletes. It allows players to simulate decision-making scenarios involving medications and supplements, helping them learn about the risks of inadvertent doping and medication-related issues. Currently, it is used not only for athletes but also in medication education classes for children.

■From Implementation Through SFT Action+ to Presentation at an International Conference

This initiative was implemented as a project selected for Phase II of the Reiwa 7 SFTC Member Project Support Program “SFT Action+ (Plus),” in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy at Shizuoka Prefectural University, Osaka Sangyo University, and schools and local stakeholders in Indonesia.

The SFTC (Sport for Tomorrow Consortium) is a public-private network that promotes international exchange and cooperation through sports.

By collaborating with universities and stakeholders both in Japan and abroad, we expanded the medication education classes and anti-doping activities that had been developed locally into educational practices overseas. We then evaluated the results as research and presented them internationally at FIP2026.

■ Presentation Overview

Conference Name: FIP2026 / 84th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

　　　　　(84th FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Dates: August 30–September 2, 2026

Venue: Montreal, Canada

Presentation Format: Poster Presentation

Title: Education on the Appropriate Use of Medicines through Game-Based Learning Grounded in Sporting Values: Learning Outcomes in Elementary Schools in Indonesia

Presentation Scene (1)

This presentation provided an opportunity to showcase internationally the potential for expanding the expertise of sports pharmacists beyond anti-doping to include medication education and educational research.

Moving forward, we will continue to link community-based practices to research, disseminate the results both domestically and internationally, and apply the insights gained from research to future community initiatives.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved, including the Faculty of Pharmacy at Shizuoka Prefectural University, Osaka Sangyo University, the schools and local stakeholders in Indonesia, the Sport for Tomorrow Consortium (SFTC), and the General Incorporated Association Doping 0, for their cooperation from the implementation of this project through to the research and presentation.

Scenes from the Presentation (2)

■Related Links

Report on Participation and Research Presentation at FIP2026 (Midoriya Pharmacy Blog)

https://www.doping-guardian.com/blog/711

Doping Guardian Official Website

https://www.doping-guardian.com/

Amazon Product Page

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B084V6Z6ZK

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Sleep Guidelines for Health Promotion 2023” emphasizes the importance of not only sleep duration but also “feeling rested after sleep”—the sense that sleep has provided sufficient rest. For adults, the guidelines recommend securing an adequate amount of sleep, with at least six hours as a general guideline, while taking individual differences into account.

This release introduces Sawada Acupuncture Clinic’s approach to patients with sleep and autonomic nervous system–related symptoms. With the patient’s permission, it also presents the approximately five-month clinical course of a male patient in his 30s who had experienced multiple symptoms for approximately seven years and has been receiving acupuncture treatment about once a week since March 22, 2026.

Acupuncture Care for Sleep and Autonomic Nervous System–Related Symptoms

■ It’s Not Just About “How Many Hours You Slept”—Do You Feel Rested in the Morning?

When it comes to sleep, it is important to consider not only how many hours a person sleeps, but also whether they feel sufficiently rested after sleeping.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Health Japan 21 (Third Term),” the age-adjusted percentage of people who reported feeling rested after sleep was 78.5% in fiscal year 2024, while 56.9% were getting sufficient sleep.

“I sleep, but I still feel tired.”

“I wake up several times during the night.”

“My body feels heavy from the moment I wake up.”

“I end up sleeping for long periods on my days off.”

These can also be important signs to consider when assessing sleep.

At Sawada Acupuncture Clinic, we look not only at sleep duration, but also at how easily patients fall asleep, whether they wake during the night, how they feel physically in the morning, and their level of activity during the day.

Acupuncture Treatment at Acupoints on the Wrist

■ Multiple Symptoms Alongside Sleep Problems, Including Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, and Sweating

The patient featured in this case is a male office worker in his 30s.

According to the patient, he had experienced multiple symptoms for approximately seven years, including:

・Shallow sleep and waking during the night

・Palpitations and shortness of breath

・Physical stiffness

・Fatigue and lack of motivation

・A sensation of tightness or a lump in the throat

・Sweating and a sensation of heat building up in the body

・Bowel irregularities

・Increased sensitivity to surrounding noise on trains and in crowded places

His concerns therefore extended beyond sleep problems and included a range of other physical symptoms.

He began receiving acupuncture treatment approximately once a week on March 22, 2026.

■ Changes Reported by the Patient Approximately Three Weeks After Starting Treatment

By April 12, approximately three weeks after his initial visit, the patient reported the following changes:

・He had become less aware of his palpitations

・His breathing felt slower and deeper than before

・His neck and shoulders felt less stiff

・He found it easier to be physically active on his days off

・He felt less need to strain when speaking

・He was waking less frequently during the night

At our clinic, we do not assess a patient’s condition solely on the basis of physical changes observed immediately after treatment. We also continue to monitor how the patient’s condition and daily life change over time.

Progress of a Male Patient in His 30s Approximately Three Weeks After Starting Treatment

This summarizes the changes in physical condition and sleep reported by the patient from his initial visit on March 22, 2026, through April 12.

■ Approximately Five Months Later—Changes Beyond Sleep and in Daily Life

As we continued to monitor his progress, the patient reported changes not only in his sleep but also in other aspects of his daily life.

Previously, he was easily bothered by surrounding noise on trains and in crowded places and almost always used earbuds when going out.

However, when reflecting on his recent daily life, he realized that he had not taken his earbuds out of the house for approximately two months. He reported that he was now able to use public transportation and spend time in crowded places without being as bothered by surrounding noise as before.

He also reported finding it easier to be physically active on his days off and feeling that it had become easier to switch between “being active” and “resting.”

Regarding sweating and the sensation of heat building up in his body, he reported that recently, when he moves into the shade or a cool environment, the sweating and sensation of heat tend to subside more easily than before.

On the other hand, he still occasionally experiences physical fatigue and eye strain, and we continue to monitor his condition and progress.

This case is published with the patient’s permission.

This describes the clinical course of a single case and does not indicate that all patients will experience the same outcome.

■ We Don’t Focus Solely on “Sleep” During Sleep Consultations

At Sawada Acupuncture Clinic, even when a patient consults us about sleep, we do not focus solely on whether they were able to sleep. We also assess their physical condition in the morning, breathing, physical tension, fatigue, gastrointestinal condition, how they feel at work or while going out, and how they spend their days off.

Because some patients experience multiple physical symptoms alongside sleep-related concerns, we place importance on carefully observing each individual’s physical condition during treatment and continuing to monitor changes in their daily life over time.

A scene from a consultation assessing sleep and daily life

■ Comment from Director Yuki Sawada

Clinic Director Yuki Sawada commented:

“When it comes to sleep consultations, people tend to focus on how many hours they have slept. In clinical practice, however, I believe it is also important to consider how often they wake during the night, whether they feel rested upon waking, and how well they are able to function during the day.

Some patients also come to our clinic with multiple concerns in addition to sleep problems, including palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, and physical tension.

At our clinic, rather than focusing on a single symptom, we carefully observe each patient’s overall physical condition. We place importance not only on changes observed before and after treatment, but also on continuously monitoring how the patient’s daily life changes over time.”

■ Respecting Diagnoses and Treatments Provided by Medical Institutions

Sleep problems may sometimes be associated with underlying conditions such as sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, as well as physical or mental health conditions.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s sleep guidelines also indicate that when sleep problems or a reduced sense of rest after sleep persist, lifestyle habits should be reviewed while also considering the possibility of an underlying medical condition.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also implements a project to promote the dissemination of information on integrative medicine, providing evidence-based information on complementary and alternative therapies that may be used alongside modern Western medicine. This information is intended to help patients, the general public, and healthcare professionals make informed decisions. Information on clinical trials and other research related to acupuncture and moxibustion is also provided. The project does not endorse any specific therapy.

At Sawada Acupuncture Clinic, we respect diagnoses and treatments provided by medical institutions and recommend medical consultation when necessary. As an acupuncture clinic, we also assess each patient’s individual physical condition and provide acupuncture treatment accordingly.

■ Facility Overview

Name: Sawada Acupuncture Clinic

Director: Yuki Sawada

Established: 2017

● Kashiwara Main Clinic

102 Honmachi Garden Heights, 3-8-11 Kokubun Honmachi, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan

● Namba Branch

901 Ookini Dotonbori Building, 2-4-21 Takatsu, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Website: https://shinkyu-sawada.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinkyu.sawada/

Phone: +81-72-942-7011

Email: shinkyu.sawada@gmail.com

Location and other information are current as of the date of publication.

■ Reference Materials

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

“Sleep Guidelines for Health Promotion 2023”

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/suimin/index.html

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

“Health Japan 21 (Third Term)”

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kenkounippon21_00006.html

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare eJIM

“Information Site for Evidence-Based Japanese Integrative Medicine”

https://www.ejim.mhlw.go.jp/public/index.html

Date Verified: September 1, 2026

■ Contact Information for This Press Release

Facility: Sawada Acupuncture Clinic

Contact: Yuki Sawada

Phone: +81-72-942-7011

Email: shinkyu.sawada@gmail.com

“Ryuo Radon Onsen Yu-Topia” URL: https://u-u.co.jp/

Membership Registration Page URL: https://u-u.jp/?tripla_booking_widget_open=signUp

* Click here to book a stay for the “Let’s Travel to Shosenkyo This Fall” campaign

https://book.u-u.jp/booking/result?code=6c40c27fe392dc6fc2abce6157d1f9f4&is_including_occupied=true&hotel_plan_code=HP230717878241465603187185&mode=secret&search_type=undated

Radon Hot Spring Bath

“Let’s Take an Autumn Trip to Shosenkyo” Campaign

■Shosenkyo: Japan’s Most Beautiful Gorge—A Hidden Paradise of Clear Streams and Crystal-Clear Waters

[Japan Heritage: Shosenkyo’s Autumn Foliage]

Selected as the No. 1 gorge in the “Top 100 Tourist Destinations in Japan” and one of the “Top 100 Famous Waters of the Heisei Era,” Shosenkyo delights visitors with its vibrant scenery during the fall foliage season.

Shosenkyo, renowned for having Japan’s most beautiful gorge, derives its name from “Kakuen Peak,” its main peak. Long ago, Kakuen—a disciple of Zen Master Takuan—underwent spiritual training on its summit, which is large enough to lay several tatami mats.It is a scenic spot that has been awarded 1st place in the “Gorges” category of the “Top 100 Tourist Destinations in Japan” and 2nd place in the “Top 100 Scenic Views of the Heisei Era.”

*“Kakuen Peak” was formed by the weathering and erosion of granite; it is steep and rises vertically for approximately 180 meters. Designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Mitake Shosenkyo is renowned as a prime spot for viewing autumn foliage.

Starting with Kakuen Peak, unusual rock formations can be seen everywhere within the gorge, and the autumn foliage in Shosenkyo reaches its peak from late October to mid-November.

Autumn in Shosenkyo: “Dream Matsushima”—Kakuen Peak

“Ryūō Radon Onsen Yutopia” is located in Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons. It is conveniently situated on the main route from the Kōfu Shōwa Interchange, just a 30-minute drive from Shōsenkyō.

We offer services designed to heal both body and mind, including a pure hot spring where you can enjoy 100% free-flowing water from a renowned spring—selected for the “Yamanashi Top 100 Hot Springs” and “Nifty Top 100 Hot Springs 2026”—as well as meals featuring local ingredients and French-style aromatherapy.

Dinner (Reservation Required)

■ Multiple awards in various hot spring rankings!

▼Nifty Hot Spring Rankings 2024 ( https://onsen.nifty.com/rank/year_2024/ )

“Nifty Onsen” ranks the 17,998 hot springs and bathing facilities nationwide (as of December 2024) listed on its site based on a unique set of criteria, including the number of page views on facility profiles, user reviews, coupon usage, and user votes.

<Awards Received>

◯ Nifty Hot Spring Ranking 2024: “Best Water Quality” Category—No. 1 Nationwide for Two Consecutive Years

https://onsen.nifty.com/rank/year_2024/oyu/

◯ No. 1 Nationwide in the “Hot Springs and Super Sento Rankings” for Facilities Praised for Their Baths

https://onsen.nifty.com/onsen-matome/250111694807/

◯ Nifty Hot Springs: Top 100 Hot Springs 2026—Certified as an “Exquisite Establishment”

https://onsen.nifty.com/selection/100meitou/?category=meiten

“Nifty Hot Springs: Top 100 Hot Springs 2026” is a prestigious award that selects the top 100 facilities—including historic establishments and rising stars set to lead the next generation—from among the many hot spring facilities nationwide. This time, Ryuo Radon Hot Spring Yu-Topia was recognized as one of these distinguished establishments.

■ The Charms of “Ryūō Radon Hot Spring Yu-Topia”

◯ Certified as one of the “Yamanashi Top 100 Day-Trip Hot Springs”

Ryūō Radon Hot Spring has also been selected for the “Yamanashi Top 100 Day-Trip Hot Springs,” a list featuring 120 facilities with hot springs full of unique character.

Featuring a variety of unique spring qualities, it boasts one of the highest radon concentrations in the bathing area nationwide*—even among Yamanashi’s highly diverse hot springs.

It offers a luxurious bathing experience using an abundant supply of natural hot spring water in a fully flowing-spring system.

*Based on the list of radon concentrations in bathing areas (https://radononsen.co.jp/ranking)

◯ Certified as a “Beauty Hot Spring”

Based on skin science analysis conducted by the major cosmetics group Pola Orbis, Ryuo Radon Hot Spring has been scientifically proven to promote beautiful skin and has been awarded the “Beautiful Skin Hot Spring Certificate.”

Its cleansing effect—which gently removes excess sebum and leads to fresh, smooth skin—has been scientifically proven, and it has been certified as Yamanashi Prefecture’s first* “Melting Purifying Hot Spring.”

*Based on our research. Below is the press release issued at the time of certification.

https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/418308?_gl=1%2A1v3bjqc%2A_ga%2ANTE1MTAwMTQ2LjE3ODczMTI0NjM.%2A_ga_4ZSNWKKM68%2AczE3ODgyNjA3NDkkbzckZzEkdDE3ODgyNjMwMDQkajQxJGwwJGgw&_ga=2.4552499.1476059223.1788257373-515100146.1787312463

◯ "Highly Reduced Hydrogen Water" & "Pure Hot Spring" A Certification

Ryuo Radon Hot Spring offers reduced hydrogen water with a reduction potential exceeding -270 mV—far surpassing alkaline ionized water and closer in nature to hydrogen water.

Furthermore, all of its baths have been certified as “Pure Hot Spring A” by the Pure Hot Spring Association.

(Fully discharge system; no water added; no heating; no recirculation or filtration; no disinfection; no bath additives)

*“Pure Hot Spring” refers to the definition of hot springs established by the Pure Hot Spring Association.

“A hot spring that uses the source water directly”

・No recirculation or filtration equipment is installed

・Disinfection using chlorine-based chemicals or similar agents added to the bathing water is not performed

・No bath additives or similar substances are added to the hot spring water used for bathing

・Proper cleaning and hygiene management must be maintained

◯ The Original “Inhalation Hot Spring”: Radon Hot Spring

A radon hot spring is a hot spring in which radon gas, maintained at a safe and consistent concentration, is introduced into the bath.

When absorbed into the body through bathing or breathing, it acts on cells throughout the body, promoting “cell activation,” “enhancement of natural healing powers,” “acceleration of metabolism,” and “improvement of immune function.” For this reason, radon hot springs are also popularly known as “inhalation hot springs.”At our facility, we use a radon generator set to 87 Mach—a concentration also used for medical purposes—to consistently provide a safe and stable radon hot spring experience.

Natural Radon Hot Spring Bath

◯ Promoting services based on the “healthcare” concept

Combining hot spring therapy and radon therapy with high-reduction organic natural free-flowing hot spring water produces synergistic effects that exceed expectations.

Furthermore, we offer a “high-quality experience that heals both mind and body” by combining “meals featuring local ingredients,” “Quad Beauty Hot Spring water made with reduced-oxidation water,” “Japan’s highest-concentration radon hot spring,” “lactic acid bacteria with a very high immune-activating rate,” and “organic aromatherapy.”

■ Overview of “Ryūō Radon Hot Spring Yu-Topia”

Name: Ryuo Radon Hot Spring Yu-Topia

Address: 1300-1 Tomitake-Shinden, Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture 400-0113

Access: About an 11-minute walk from Ryuo Station

Spring Type: Sodium-chloride and bicarbonate hot spring

Accommodations: 13,200 yen (tax included) and up for 1 night with 2 meals; 8,800 yen (tax included) and up for room only

Day-Use Baths: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Adults: 880 yen (tax included), Children 12 and under: 770 yen (tax included)

Website: https://u-u.co.jp/

■Company Overview

Company Name: U-TOPIA Co., Ltd.

Address: 1300-1 Tomitake-Shinden, Kai City, Yamanashi Prefecture

Representative: Yoshiteru Hayakawa

Established: February 23, 1946

Capital: 10 million yen

Website: https://u-u.jp/overview

Ten companies from across Japan participated, and as a result of voting by over 80 judges and audience members, the company was selected as the overall first-place winner. Furthermore, it took first place in the “Judges’ Award” and also won first place in the “Audience Award” on September 1.

Akihiro Ichida, President and CEO of Daily Farm Co., Ltd., which won the “Food & Drink Awards” (center)

It wasn’t just the deliciousness of our eggs that was recognized this time. The judges also recognized our chicken health management—which draws on the expertise of veterinarians—our feed formulation, our circular agriculture utilizing chicken manure, our utilization of laying hens, and our “sixth-sector industrialization” efforts to expand the appeal of eggs into desserts and other dishes. This result reflects recognition of our entire “egg production” process, which we have been dedicated to for many years.

ICC Summit Logo

■ Why This Award Is Special

— A Food Award Where “Taste Alone Isn’t Enough” —

Unlike typical food contests, the ICC Summit Food & Drink Awards go beyond a mere evaluation of taste.

Entries are comprehensively judged based on the following five criteria:

Deliciousness (overall experiential value, including taste, people, conversation, and the environment)

Sustainability (environmental, social, and economic)

Artisan (craftsmanship, technique, philosophy, and expertise)

Branding (design and concept)

Resonance with the Vision (Story)

This is a food award that evaluates products not only for their taste but also for their underlying philosophy and social impact; winning this award is a testament to our product being recognized not just for its flavor, but also for the design philosophy and purpose behind it.

Daily Farm Co., Ltd., Winner of the “ICC Summit KYOTO 2026 Food & Drink Award”

A scene from the presentation by Akihiro Ichida, President and CEO

■How much value can be created from a single egg and a single chicken?

The three dishes served this time were “Onsen Tamago Kake Gohan” (rice topped with soft-boiled eggs) made with free-range Nagoya Cochin and rice eggs, “Tamagoippai Pudding” (egg-rich pudding), and “Old Hen Broth,” which highlights the umami of older hens.

For the “Onsen Tamago Kake Gohan,” we used locally grown rice cultivated with organic fertilizer made from our own fermented chicken manure. (Rice provided by Agri Service Ltd.)

We return resources derived from the chickens to the rice paddies, and the rice grown there is then fed back into the local community and the chickens.

Additionally, we worked with Chef Kazuya Mizuno of “The Origin Plate” (a native of Tokoname City) to create a broth made exclusively from salt sourced from the Chita Peninsula, using the meat from our laying hens that had finished their egg-laying cycle.

Rice and Eggs: Rice with Raw Egg

Egg-Packed Pudding

■Because we’re a father-son team of veterinarians, we approach eggs from the perspective of chicken health

Daily Farm has been raising chickens in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, for three generations. President and CEO Akihiro Ichida and Chairman Masumi Ichida are both veterinarians.

Akihiro Ichida worked as a clinical veterinarian before joining the family business in 2015.

He shifted from the work of “treating sick animals” to the work of “raising healthy chickens.”

By paying close attention to the chickens’ health, feed, water, air, rearing environment, and hygiene management—and guided by the belief that “only healthy chickens lay delicious eggs”—they continue to produce eggs.

■Comment from Akihiro Ichida, President and CEO

In 2015, we opened “Coco Terrace,” a specialty shop for egg-based sweets.

Since then, we have expanded to include the farm-to-table restaurant “Recipe-o” and the bakery “Niwa no Pan,” and the facility has grown into “Coco Terrace Hill,” which now attracts approximately 180,000 visitors annually.

We do not view “egg production” as merely the act of laying eggs.

Raising healthy chickens. Pursuing flavor and nutrition. Returning chicken manure to local agriculture. Creating value in the lives of our laying hens. And conveying the appeal of all this through our products and experiences.

All of this constitutes Daily Farm’s “egg production.”

Our management philosophy is “Bringing Happiness to People Through Eggs.”

Taking this championship victory as a new beginning, we will continue our efforts from Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, aiming to build an egg brand we can proudly present to the world.

■Company Overview

Company Name: Daily Farm Co., Ltd.

Representative: Akihiro Ichida, President and CEO

Address: 5 Ashizama, Oya, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture 479-0806

Founded: Taisho 15 (1926)

Business Activities: Production and sale of eggs; manufacturing and sale of Western-style confectionery; farm-to-table restaurant; bakery

Capital: 98 million yen

URL: https://dailyfarm.co.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoterrace05/

Organic Fukushima Market in FUTAKO TAMAGAWA

Fukushima Prefecture will collaborate with the prefecture’s “Organic Villages”—Nihonmatsu City, Kitakata City, Same River Village, and Aizu-Wakamatsu City—to showcase the appeal of Fukushima’s organic agriculture.

Producers from these “Organic Villages” will participate, selling organic produce and processed goods, while food trucks will serve original menus highlighting the unique regional characteristics of each of the four municipalities. In addition, we will feature a variety of engaging events, including talk sessions, live performances by artists with ties to Fukushima Prefecture, and workshops.Through “buying, eating, learning, and experiencing,” we’ll convey the appeal of Fukushima’s organic agriculture and the passion of its producers.

01｜A Grand Gathering of Fukushima’s Organic Farm Produce and Carefully Selected Ingredients! ~Market~

Producers dedicated to organic farming from organic villages across the prefecture will gather in Futako-Tamagawa.

You can purchase organic produce, environmentally friendly agricultural products, processed goods, and local specialties while enjoying conversations with the producers. By speaking with them directly, you’ll gain insight into the producers’ passion and dedication.

■Vendors

<Organic Villages>

・Nihonmatsu City

(1) Organic Fukushima Adachi

Products for Sale: Organic vegetables, etc.

(2) Nanakusa Nano Brewery

Products Sold: Beer

(3) Fukushima Farmers’ Dream Wine

Products Sold: Cider

(4) Yuki no Sato Towa Hometown Development Council

Products Sold: Organic Vegetables, Mulberry Tea, and More

(5) Abukuma no Sato: Organic Girls

Products for Sale: Organic vegetables, jam, apple juice, tea, and more

・Kitakata City

(1) Yamato Community Development Council

Products for Sale: Organic melons, organic tomatoes, organic pumpkins, organic snap beans, and more

(2) Aizu Yaei Farm

Products for sale: Traditional Aizu vegetables, green eggplant, Fushimi Amacho chili peppers, edamame (Oto-Oosodefuri soybeans), Madori melons, and more

(3) Aida Nogen

Products for Sale: Organic bell peppers, organic potatoes, organic onions, organic Koshihikari rice, and more

(4) Kitakata City Council for the Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture

Products for Sale: Organic rice, organic vegetables, honey, apple juice, and more

・Same River Village

(1) Temame-kan

Products for Sale: Bean snacks, kinako (roasted soybean flour), miso, tofu, deep-fried tofu, natto, and more

(2) Abukuma NS Net

Products for sale: Vegetables, eggs, and more

・Aizu-Wakamatsu City

(1) Aizu Nagashima Organic Farm

Products Sold: Organic vegetables (jumbo bell peppers, round okra, eggplant, chili peppers), etc.

(2) Manma~ja (JA Aizu Yotsuba)

Products for Sale: Rice (AiZ' S-RiCE)

<Outside Organic Village>

・Aizu Misato Town

(1) Natural Farming Association

Products Sold: Organic rice, homemade country-style miso made from organic soybeans, koji amazake, brown rice pon senbei crackers, and more

(2) Aizu Nature School

Products for sale: Organic rice, organic vegetables, various processed foods and seasonings, and more

・Koriyama City

(1) Niida Honke

Products for Sale: Sake, amazake, umeshu, koji chocolate, shio-koji, and more

02｜“Original Menus” Featuring Local Ingredients

Food trucks serving original menus featuring ingredients from various municipalities will also be on site. Indulge in authentic cuisine supervised by the chef from “Seibu Traveling Restaurant: 52 Seats of Bliss.”

03｜Talk Sessions with Guests Discussing Organic Farming

In addition to producers engaged in organic farming within Fukushima Prefecture taking the stage, actors Kaoru Sugita and Yutaka Nagasawa will appear as guests of the “Fukushima Organic Cultivation Team,” which works to foster Fukushima’s organic initiatives.

04｜Live Performances by Artists with Ties to Fukushima Prefecture

Artists with ties to Fukushima Prefecture and others will perform on a music stage to liven up the venue.

Performing Artists:

Ryoka Otake, Rina Katahira, Yutaka Kijima × Yutaka Koyama, Nyanzonu Deshi, Toshimi Watanabe

05｜Hands-On Activities for All Ages

Workshops will also be held at the venue where participants can learn about organic farming while having fun.

Making planters using organic potting soil

Creating stained glass using colorful glass shards

■Event Overview

Event Name: Organic Fukushima Marche at FUTAKO TAMAGAWA

Date and Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

　　　　　　 September 20, 2026 (Sun), 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue: Futako-Tamagawa Rise Galleria

Address: 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094

Access: https://www.rise.sc/access/

Admission: Free

URL: https://www.enjoytokyo.jp/pr/organic_fukushima/

Official X: https://x.com/f_organicville

Official Note: https://note.com/f_organicville

Organizer: Fukushima Prefecture / Fukushima Organic Village Liaison Council

URL: https://gyoza2026.hp.peraichi.com

dwarf studio

■ Hands-On Event: “Dwarf” × Kyoto Craft Operation

“Dwarf,” the studio behind numerous characters and stop-motion animations, is coming to Kyoto! We’ll be holding a special, 5-day-only workshop centered on the theme of “Creating Animation.”

Kyoto Monozukuri Daisakusen 2026

〈Program Information & Reservations〉

(1) [September 19–23] Flipbook Creation Workshop

Description: Use everyday stationery to create a “moving story” based on your own ideas! You can take home your very own finished flipbook.

Capacity: Limited to 70 participants per day (10 per session / Reservations given priority)

Stop-Motion Workshop

(2) [September 19–23] Zoetrope (Rotating Peep Show) Workshop

Description: Handcraft a “zoetrope”—the origin of animation, invented in the 19th century! Experience the wonder of seeing the images move smoothly when you peek through the slits, and learn how it works.

Capacity: Limited to 70 people per day (10 people per session / Reservations given priority)

Zoetrope Workshop

(3) [September 22–23 Only] Taught by the Dwarves! Stop-Motion Animation Workshop

Description: Under the direct guidance of Dwarf members, draw your own original character and film it frame by frame! You’ll receive the filmed footage and a commemorative acrylic stand as a gift.

Capacity: Limited to 8 participants per session (advance reservation required)

(4) [September 22–23 Only] Special Screening of Dwarf Productions

Details: Enjoy watching stop-motion animation works produced by Studio “Dwarf” inside the tent—works that exude the unique warmth of handcrafted animation. (Advance reservations are prioritized)

All programs are for ages 6 and up. *Preschoolers may participate when accompanied by a guardian.

▼ Click here for details and reservations for each program

https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=eEoklSe1Nwc&c_id=454373

■ A lineup of exquisite gyoza from across Japan and Kyoto craft beers!

From classics like “Utsunomiya Juicy Gyoza” and “Hamamatsu Gyoza” to luxurious seafood varieties such as “Hiroshima Oyster-Lemon Gyoza” and “Scallop Butter Gyoza,” as well as specialty meat options like “Sendai’s Famous Beef Tongue Gyoza”and “Satsuma Black Pork & Black Chicken Salt Gyoza”—a wide variety of gyoza from across the country, each boasting its own unique flavor, have gathered here! The lineup features a diverse range of unique varieties, including “Marumochi Gyoza,” “Ibaraki Lotus Root Gyoza,” and “Hakata Bite-Size Gyoza.”In addition, four popular local Kyoto breweries—including “KYOTO NUDE BREWERY” and “Kyoto Beer Lab”—will be setting up shop. Enjoy the perfect pairing of exquisite gyoza and premium craft beer under the blue sky.

Aldea Yamashiro Beer

■ À la carte dishes and satisfying desserts the whole family will love

In addition to rice dishes and side dishes that kids will love—such as fried rice and extra-long “chewy potatoes”—the event is packed with delightful sweets and à la carte options sure to bring smiles to the whole family, including “Okinawa’s famous Blue Seal Ice Cream,” “shaved ice,” and cute “fruit candies.”

[Event Overview] Event Name: Kyoto Gyoza Grand Operation 2026 Autumn (Held concurrently with: Kyoto Craftsmanship Grand Operation)

Dates & Times: September 19 (Sat) – September 23 (Wed, Holiday), 2026, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

　　　　　 *Closes at 7:00 PM on the 23rd (final day) only

　　　　　 *Some activities and workshops end at 6:00 PM

Venue: Umekoji Park (in front of JR Umekoji Kyoto-Nishi Station)

Access: Right outside “Umekoji Kyoto-Nishi Station” on the JR Sagano Line

Admission: Free (*Some workshops and playground equipment require a fee)

Organizer: General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Culture, Arts, and Sports

Operated by: JOIN US JAPAN LLC

In Cooperation With: Gyoza Shop Federation (General Incorporated Association)

Supported by: Kyoto City, Kyoto City Transportation Bureau, KBS Kyoto, Kyoto Scenic Preservation Society

Kyoto Gyoza Grand Operation

Cheese Marumochi Gyoza

Scallop Butter Gyoza

Kyoto Beer Lab

Click here for the special website

https://gyoza2026.hp.peraichi.com

Click here to book a workshop

https://select-type.com/rsv/?id=eEoklSe1Nwc&c_id=454373

Last Year’s Event (1)

At this exhibition, the company will showcase products that leverage the gravure printing and flexible packaging technologies Daiwa Gravure has cultivated in Japan, combined with Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities. Through dialogue with professionals in the Philippine packaging and printing industries, the company aims to identify local market needs and challenges, create new business and collaboration opportunities, and expand its operations in the Southeast Asian market.

◎Background of Our Participation

Since its establishment in 1957, Daiwa Gravure has been engaged in the development and manufacture of flexible packaging materials used for food, cosmetics, and other products. Leveraging the high color reproduction and fine detail capabilities of gravure printing as its strengths, the company has established an integrated production system covering everything from printing to bag manufacturing.

As part of its expansion into overseas markets, the company established “PT. DAIWA GRAVURE INDONESIA” in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2025—its first overseas base—and began full-scale operations in June of the same year.

DGI employs a “fabless business model,” in which it does not operate its own factories but collaborates with local manufacturing partners. By combining the printing and processing technologies Daiwa Gravure has cultivated in Japan with Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities, the company is building a system to flexibly supply products to overseas markets.

At this exhibition, we will showcase products created through this “Japanese Technology × Indonesian Manufacturing” approach.

◎Approach to the Philippine Market

As DGI expands its business, one of the markets it is targeting this time is the Philippines.

With a population of approximately 120 million, the Philippines continues to see its consumer market expand alongside economic growth.

At this exhibition, we will engage directly with the Philippine packaging and printing industries and gain an understanding of market needs and challenges through business negotiations and exchanges of views with local companies.

We will also showcase products that leverage Japanese gravure printing technology and Indonesian manufacturing capabilities, exploring opportunities for new business deals and collaborations with Philippine companies.

◎Exhibition Highlights

At our booth, we will showcase the gravure printing and flexible packaging technologies that Yamato Gravure has cultivated over many years through actual products and samples.

<Plastic Flexible Packaging Materials Made in Indonesia>

We will exhibit plastic flexible packaging materials produced in collaboration with our Indonesian manufacturing partner. We will showcase the color reproduction and fine detailing achieved through gravure printing technology honed in the production of packaging for foods, cosmetics, and other products.

Indonesian-Made Plastic Flexible Packaging Materials

<Cartridge Packs>

A revolutionary refill system enables quick and easy refilling.

Compatible with toiletries such as shampoo, as well as high-viscosity gels and cosmetics.

It preserves the quality of the contents until the very end and ensures hygienic use.

Cartridge Pack

<“MOSHA-COLLE,” an Art Brand Utilizing Gravure Printing Technology>

At Yamato Gravure, we are applying the gravure printing technology we have cultivated over many years to fields beyond packaging.

“MOSHA-COLLE” is an art brand that reproduces the colors and delicate details of famous paintings on transparent film. As an example of our efforts to expand the printing technology honed in the packaging sector into new fields, we will be exhibiting art goods.

MOSHA-COLLE

*Exhibition content is subject to change.

◎About PackPrintPlas Philippines 2026

“PackPrintPlas Philippines” is an international B2B trade show held in Manila, Philippines, that spans the packaging, printing, and plastics industries.

The event brings together a wide range of related products and technologies, including packaging and printing machinery, plastic processing equipment, raw materials, packaging materials, and recycling technologies.

In addition to Philippine companies, overseas firms from Asia, Europe, and other regions will participate, providing opportunities for business negotiations and networking with industry professionals, as well as insights into the latest technologies and market trends.

In 2026, the event will be held from Thursday, October 8, to Saturday, October 10, at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

https://packprintplasphilippines.com/

◎ Future Plans

We do not view this exhibition as a one-time event; rather, through dialogue with local companies, we aim to identify the needs and challenges of the Philippine market and use this insight to drive future business expansion.

Specifically, we aim to:

・Business negotiations with local companies and the creation of new business opportunities

・Gaining an understanding of the needs of the Philippine packaging and printing market

・Building new networks in Southeast Asia

・Incorporating local needs into the development of new products and services

Furthermore, using this entry into the Philippine market as a stepping stone, we will explore opportunities to expand sales of flexible packaging products to other ASEAN regions—including the Philippines—and even the Islamic world, with Indonesia serving as our manufacturing and supply hub.

Combining the printing and packaging technologies cultivated in Japan with Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities, we will leverage these respective strengths to provide products and services that meet local market needs, thereby advancing the establishment of an overseas business foundation centered in Southeast Asia.

◎About PT. DAIWA GRAVURE INDONESIA

PT. DAIWA GRAVURE INDONESIA (DGI) is the first overseas base established by Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.—a company specializing in package printing and processing—in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2025, and began full-scale operations in June of the same year.

DGI operates a “fabless business model” in collaboration with local partners.

Its main business activities consist of the following three areas:

・Sales of high-quality packaging products in collaboration with local partners

・ Sales, installation, and technical support for gravure printing equipment manufactured by group companies

・Acting as a distributor for translation software that supports smooth communication between Japanese and local companies

While striving to stabilize our business foundation by leveraging flexible trading company functions, we are also committed to developing products rooted in the local economy and culture and fostering local talent over the long term, thereby advancing the establishment of a sustainable business structure.

<Office Overview>

Name: PT. DAIWA GRAVURE INDONESIA

Address: Eightyeight@Kasablanka, Tower A, 12th Floor, Units A & H

　　　　　　　　 Jl. Casablanca Raya Kav. 88, South Jakarta, Indonesia

Establishment Date: May 19, 2025

Contact: +62-811-1185-8071

◎ About Daiwa Gravure

Yamato Gravure is a company established in 1957 that develops, manufactures, and sells flexible packaging materials.

The company manufactures packaging made from plastic film—primarily for cosmetics and food products—through an integrated production system that covers everything from printing to bag manufacturing.

Leveraging our advanced gravure printing technology—which offers high color fidelity and intricate detail—we provide packaging that faithfully reproduces the image and worldview of brands and products.

In recent years, the company has applied the printing technologies it has cultivated over many years to fields beyond packaging. It is taking on new business challenges, such as the development of the art brand “MOSHA-COLLE” and the launch of the “Consumer Division,” which rediscovers and promotes the value of traditional Japanese industries.

◎Company Overview

Company Name: Yamato Gravure Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 5th Floor, Tokiwa Building, 1-14-16 Kanayama, Naka Ward, Nagoya

President and CEO: Shoji Kawai

Business Activities: Printing, processing, and development of packaging for cosmetics, food products, and other items

Established: March 1957

URL: https://daiwagravure.co.jp/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/daiwagravure

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daiwagravure/

Company Name: PT. DAIWA GRAVURE INDONESIA

Address: Eightyeight@Kasablanka, Tower A, 12th Floor, Units A & H

　　　　　　　　 Jl. Casablanca Raya Kav. 88, South Jakarta

Date Established: May 19, 2025

Contact: +62-811-1185-8071

This plan further expands upon the existing pet-friendly plan, which has been well-received by many guests, and significantly enhances pet-related services to ensure that guests with large dogs, multiple dogs, or cats can enjoy a more worry-free stay.Going beyond simply being “pet-friendly,” we offer a stay where your dog takes center stage during the quiet weekdays of the Nasu Highlands.

[“Just being able to stay” is no longer enough]

Exterior view of the facility

The on-site forest dog run

In recent years, the number of guests who view their pets as cherished family members and wish to travel with them has been increasing year by year. At the same time, we have received many concerns and complaints specific to traveling with pets, such as “being turned away because of a large dog,” “additional fees piling up for multiple pets,” and “worries about compatibility when sharing a dog run with other dogs.”

At “Mimoza Retreat NASU,” we’ve responded to these guest concerns by building on our existing pet-friendly plans and updating them to provide an even more personalized experience for guests traveling with pets. By focusing on weekdays—when the resort is relatively quiet—we’ve made it possible to offer “exclusive use of the facility” and “attentive hospitality,” which are difficult to provide during busy weekends.We confidently recommend this plan to anyone looking for a relaxing place to stay in Nasu while avoiding the weekend crowds, or to those planning a weekday getaway to spend some leisurely time with their dog.

[Plan Perks]

Welcome Doggy Box *Photo is an example

Smartphone Photo Service

Dedicated paw-washing station for your dog　

Choice of Shampoos, Conditioners, and More *Photo shows an example*

■ Weekdays Only: Free Pet Stay

Guests staying with pets on weekdays are exempt from the standard pet accommodation fee of 3,300 yen per pet per night. Whether you have a large dog or multiple pets, you can enjoy your time in Nasu with your beloved dog or cat without worrying about additional charges.

■ Welcome Doggy Box

We’ve prepared a gift box for your pet, packed with toys, treats, and grooming supplies. You’re welcome to take the entire box home with you. For guests with multiple pets or large dogs, we adjust the contents to ensure you feel we’ve truly prepared something just for your pet—a thoughtful gesture that’s satisfying both in appearance and quantity.

*Please use the treats at your own discretion.

■ Pet Care Station (Dog Paw Washing & Grooming Station)

We feature a pet-exclusive paw-washing area and shower room that you can access directly from outside. In addition to warm water showers, towels, hair dryers, various brushes, and deodorizing sprays, we even offer a selection of shampoos and conditioners. Whether after a walk in the woods, a visit to the dog park, or playing outside after it rains, your dog will feel fresh and comfortable.You can enjoy your time here comfortably until the very end without worrying about bringing mud or pet hair inside.

*These items are shared facilities. For dogs with sensitive skin, we recommend bringing your own care products.

*Some lodging buildings do not have dedicated paw-washing stations.

■ Guaranteed Private Dog Run Time

As a perk of this plan, we guarantee private time at the dog run so you can use it at your leisure. Whether you have a large dog, multiple dogs, or a dog that’s shy around other dogs, this is a time to run around freely without worrying about others. We’ll arrange private time exclusively for your family after check-in and the following morning (times are subject to change based on the day’s conditions).

■ Smartphone Photo Service by Staff

For guests who wish, our staff will take your smartphone and snap commemorative photos of you with your dog. We’ll capture “Instagram-worthy” shots with Nasu’s natural scenery as the backdrop—whether at the dog run, in front of your villa, at the bonfire area, the BBQ area, or during a walk through the forest. Even if you usually struggle to get everyone in a family photo, please join us for these special moments.

■ Enjoy the Campfire, BBQ, and Dog Run with Your Dog

Enjoy a BBQ featuring Nasu Highlands Japanese Black Beef and a campfire—a unique experience only at Mimoza Retreat NASU—together with your dog. Play in the spacious dog run, take a walk in the woods, and gather around the campfire at night—enjoy a full day where “your dog takes center stage.”

[About “Mimoza Retreat NASU”]

A bright and airy bedroom

Spacious living room

“Mimoza Retreat NASU” is an accommodation facility featuring private villas, each characterized by its mimosa-colored design, where guests can stay surrounded by the great outdoors of the Nasu Highlands.

After exploring Nasu’s primeval forests on the on-site Gyro Ride and getting some exercise at the dog run, you can return to the villa to relax and spend quality time chatting with friends and family.The interior features accent wallpaper to create a relaxing atmosphere. Indirect lighting adds to the mood, allowing you to enjoy a calm and peaceful evening. Additionally, since the bedrooms are divided into Western-style and Japanese-style rooms, the villa is ideal for accommodating multiple groups. The layout, which moderately separates the living room from the bedrooms, ensures privacy for each group while still allowing everyone to relax comfortably within the villa.

Furthermore, the entire property is enclosed by a fence. In addition to preventing guests from wandering off, and although there have been no bear sightings to date, we prioritize your peace of mind above all else, ensuring you can enjoy your stay in an environment where the risk of encountering wildlife is minimized as much as possible.

[Recommended for]

● Those looking for a relaxing weekday getaway in Nasu, as weekends tend to be crowded

● Those traveling with large dogs, multiple dogs, or cats who have struggled to find suitable accommodations in the past

● Those who want more than just a place to stay—they want to give their beloved dog a special experience

● Those who want to quietly enjoy nature with just their family, without worrying about other dogs

【Terms of Use】

● Please keep your dog on a leash at all times except in the dog run. As our facility is located in a natural setting, please keep a close eye on your dog at all times to ensure everyone’s safety.

● Please use your own judgment when deciding whether to give your dog the treats provided in the “Welcome Dog Box.”

● Items in the Pet Care Station are for shared use within the facility. Please do not take them home.

[Details]

Name: Mimoza Retreat NASU

Address: Inside Gyro Ride Park, 178-4 Toda, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture

Contact Information: TEL: 0287-74-5517

　　　　　　　　　　 Email: info@lbcg.net

Plan Sales Start Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Eligible Stay Period: Monday, September 28, 2026, and onward

Plan Price: From 55,000 yen (tax included) per night (for 2 guests)

Official Website: https://lbcg.net/mimoza/petplan/

Reservations & Inquiries: Via the official website or by phone

Artist Photo

[About SIDVEL]

The name “SIDVEL” was created by combining the words “SIDEKICK” and “VEIL.”“SIDEKICK” embodies the idea of being a partner who stands by someone, walks alongside them, and supports one another. Meanwhile, “VEIL” (a sheer cloth) symbolizes what is not yet visible, the potential that lies hidden, and a future that will gradually reveal itself.

Our goal is not to be a group that is “complete” from the very beginning. Each of the five members possesses unique charms—whether in singing, dancing, visuals, or personality—yet we are all constantly in the process of growing. That is precisely why we can transform into any color from here on out. For SIDVEL, being “unfinished” is not a weakness—it is the very essence of possibility.

Rather than having the members or our company decide the answers, we draw from the support and feelings of our fans, encounters with staff and those involved, interactions among fans themselves, and every single experience born from our activities. By building upon all of these, we will continue to shape SIDVEL as it is at each moment—not just the members, but together with everyone involved.

This is the concept of “unfinished” that SIDVEL holds dear.

[Member Information]

Ryogen Aoi

Ryogen Aoi

Leader / 181 cm

A man of Japanese and Korean descent. He combines a sharp presence with delicate expressiveness.

・Date of Birth: March 8, 1999

・Blood Type: AB

・MBTI: ENFJ

・Height: 181 cm

・Special Skill: Korean

・Hobbies: Exercise

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluuegen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

・TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gengen_vel?_r=1&_t=ZS-99Wa3BmKMnV

Jin Hayama

Jin Hayama

A 25-year-old with professional dance experience at an advanced level. He combines “gentleness” with “charisma.”

・Date of Birth: July 28, 2001

・Blood Type: B

・MBTI: ISFP

・Height: 166 cm

・Special Skills: Controlling facial expressions, jumping

・Hobbies: Cover dancing, watching sports

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jin_hayama_?stkn=MXZxbGJyaTg0aGpyMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

・TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jin_hayama?_r=1&_t=ZS-99Wa4jgkNoD

Ryusei Kuroba

Ryusei Kuroba

A 22-year-old with a crystal-clear voice. His dreamy, enigmatic features captivate people.

・Date of Birth: June 29, 2004

・Blood Type: O

・MBTI: ENFP

・Height: 172 cm

・Special Skills: Singing, beauty

・Hobbies: Watching survival shows, playing basketball

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryusei.kuroba?stkn=MWY4ZHE2cDVlZnNjOA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Yuan Hoshino

Yuan Hoshino

A young man of Japanese and Filipino descent. A current college student devoted entirely to baseball.

・Date of Birth: April 6, 2006

・Blood Type: Type A

・MBTI: ENFP

・Height: 170 cm

・Specialty: Sports

・Hobbies: Baseball

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuan06.sidvel?stkn=aXM0NTlwMHRkcXk5

・TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yuan06.sidvel?_r=1&_t=ZS-99Wa82Wc0EW

Yota Mukai

Yota Mukai

The youngest member of the group. The group’s mood-maker with a wonderful smile.

・Date of Birth: October 23, 2006

・Blood Type: B

・MBTI: INFP

・Height: 171 cm

・Special Skill: Impersonations

・Hobbies: Solving puzzles, playing video games, watching movies and anime

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yota__sunrise?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

[From a mere “fan” to a “partner” on life’s journey]

SIDVEL aims to be more than just a group that delivers entertainment one-sidedly from the stage or through the media.

Members, fans, staff, and everyone involved—each walking their own path in life—will spend time together through SIDVEL. On happy days, on days when things don’t go well, on days filled with challenges, and on days when we face hardship. By sharing it all and supporting one another, we’ll continue to build the future together—even as it remains unfinished—in a world where there are no definitive answers or right solutions.

For SIDVEL, fans aren’t just people who cheer us on. They are “partners” who share our joys and worries, sometimes changing along the way, as we build SIDVEL together.

“Partners walking through life with our fans.”

With this concept in mind, SIDVEL will never be complete; together with everyone involved, we will continue to create a future that is not yet in sight, forever.

Teaser

[Debut: October 2026]

SIDVEL will hold a debut and release event in October 2026 (tentative). Details will be announced on our official website and social media channels as they are finalized.

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidvel_official/?hl=ja

Official X: https://x.com/sidvel_official?s=20

The debut track features creators who have been involved in producing songs for numerous artists, including DXTEEN and JO1. They will express SIDVEL’s unique worldview through music, delivering songs that are exclusively SIDVEL’s own.

Moving forward, we have various activities planned, including the release of their debut song, the premiere of their music video, content on various social media platforms, and live performances and events.

What will these five members—who are still undefined—become? We won’t decide the answer on our own; instead, we’ll create it together with our fans, staff, and everyone involved, building it moment by moment. Precisely because these five members don’t have a set answer yet, SIDVEL will evolve into any color imaginable through the people they meet and the experiences they accumulate.

The story of these five begins here. SIDVEL will continue to shape the future as a partner to each and every fan.

[SIDVEL Creative Producer]

Mizuki Ishida

Mizuki Ishida (Film Director, CEO of 2L Co., Ltd.)

Mizuki Ishida (24). Ishida, a talented film director and more, serves as the producer for SIDVEL and his peers.

He won the “Yubari Hope Award” at the “2022 Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival” and the “March Student Grand Prize” at the “2024 European Film Awards.”He also won the “Excellence Award (First Place)” at the “Video Contest on ‘Unconscious Bias’ Based on Gender,” sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and was presented with a certificate of commendation by Governor Koike.

The film *The Me Reflected in His Eyes*, released on October 17, 2025, is the third film by the Ishida Group.

[SIDVEL — ARTIST PHOTO]

Photographer: Miho Kurihara

Photo Assistant　　　　： Mizuho Otagiri

Hair & Make-up　　　　　: Honoka

Hair & Make-up Assistant: Yuuki Yoshioka / Nana Nishida

Stylist　　　　　　　　 ： Tasuku Kubota

Production Assistant: Kazuto Shiraishi / Kokone Ozaki /

　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Yuya Katano / Saki Kobayashi

Production Manager　　　: Takehisa Yoshinobu

Production　　　　　　　: 2L corp.

SIDVEL Creative Producer: Mizuki Ishida

(C) 2L corp.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: 2L Corp.

Representative: Mizuki Ishida, Representative Director

Address: 6th Floor, Nishi-Shinjuku Mizuma Building, 3-3-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023

Established: June 2022

Business Activities: Conversation Services / Housekeeping Services / Social Gift Services /

　　　　　 Businesses related to all aspects of video planning and production / Film production and distribution /

　　　　　 Production and presentation of films, plays, music, and other events;

　　　　　 Planning and production of film-related merchandise and other goods /

　　　　　 Provision of location studios /

　　　　　 Marketing planning related to advertising and promotion /

　　　　　 Planning and production of promotional and advertising content / Advertising agency services /

　　　　　 Casting services for actors, entertainers, models, and others／

　　　　　 Businesses related to the ownership, management, and operation of real estate;

　　　　　 Businesses related to the ownership, management, and operation of parking lots／

　　　　　 Online dating services / Educational support services /

　　　　　 Businesses related to the planning and production of all types of educational content /

　　　　　 Operation of restaurants and cafes, and related businesses／

　　　　　 Marketing research, as well as the investigation, collection, and

　　　　　 provision of management information

　　　　　 All businesses incidental or related to the foregoing items

Capital: 1.5 million yen

URL: https://www.2lcorp.info/

■ Concept: “Hokkaido Robatayaki”—Hokkaido ingredients prepared with a special touch.

“Hokkaido Robata Akaoni” is a “Hokkaido Robata restaurant” that takes delicious Hokkaido ingredients and adds a special touch through robata grilling. We also offer a rich selection of non-robata dishes, making us a full-service robata izakaya with a wide lineup ranging from sashimi to rice dishes and table-side grilled specialties.

[Origin of the Name “Akaoni”] Illuminated by the flames of the robatayaki grill, the staff’s faces turn red and flushed—just like a red ogre.

The restaurant was named “Akaoni” based on this scene.

■Our 6 Commitments

(1) [Ingredients] We use carefully selected Hokkaido ingredients, such as Hokkaido Wagyu beef and ingredients shipped directly from Rausu Town.

(2) [Cooking] We prepare “Hokkaido Robatayaki” by adding a special touch to Hokkaido ingredients through charcoal-grilled robatayaki.

(3) [Spices] We offer unique flavors, such as the “Lamb Chop Grilled with Akaoni Spice,” which uses a completely original blend of eight spices.

(4) [Experience] A live dining experience where guests can enjoy dishes like “Seared Live Hokkaido Octopus” on a tabletop charcoal grill, adjusting the level of charring to their preference.

(5) [Ambience] A sophisticated private dining space featuring red, black, and mortar-textured tones, accented with traditional Japanese touches.

(6) [Price] We aim to offer a satisfying selection and portion sizes at an average price per person of approximately 5,000 to 6,000 yen.

■ Signature Dishes & Recommended Menu Items

★ Signature Dish: Hokkaido Wagyu “Jigoku-ni”

750 yen (tax included)

The balance of umami and spiciness is perfect. An Akaroni original recipe packed with Hokkaido Wagyu beef.

★ Signature Dish: Hokkaido Mentaiko and Mackerel Earthen Pot Rice

3,500 yen (tax included)

Made with large chunks of Hokkaido mentaiko. A specialty dish cooked to order.

★ Signature Dish: Lamb Chops Grilled with Akaoni Spices

3,600 yen (tax included)

Made with a completely original blend of 8 spices. Served with mustard.

Large Rausu-caught Atka Pollock

2,580 yen (tax included)

A large Rausu-caught Atka mackerel, slowly grilled over charcoal until tender and succulent.

Rare Cut: Beef Heart Tongue

3,200 yen (tax included)

The center cut of beef tongue is grilled over charcoal until fragrant and surprisingly tender. Served with scallion salt and yuzu pepper.

Whole Grilled Bell Peppers—Just Like Stir-Fried Bell Peppers with Pork

730 yen (tax included)

When enjoyed with our house-made sauce, it tastes just like "Green Pepper and Pork Stir-Fry."

Carrot “Karamucho”

650 yen (tax included)

Enjoy a unique flavor pairing you’ve never experienced before.

Grilled Live Octopus from Hokkaido

1,080 yen (tax included)

Served with a live cooking experience—grill it to your preferred doneness on a tabletop charcoal grill.

Grilled Hokkaido Wagyu Beef

3,800 yen (tax included)

A dish featuring Hokkaido Wagyu beef quickly seared over charcoal to lock in its rich umami flavor.

10-Piece Sashimi Platter

5,580 yen (tax included)

A 10-piece assortment of fresh fish selected based on the day’s catch. The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

Assorted Obanzai (4 varieties)

1,400 yen (tax included)

A daily-changing assortment of 4 obanzai dishes prepared with ingredients sourced fresh that day.

*The main menu is planned to feature over 70 items across all categories, including robatayaki, fish, meat, vegetables, stews, salads, hot appetizers, sashimi, hairy crab, table-side grilling, cold appetizers, obanzai, clay pot rice, rice noodles, and desserts.We offer three course options: 5,000 yen, 7,000 yen, and 10,000 yen.

■ Interior & Ambiance / Target Customer Base

A sophisticated private dining space for adults, featuring a chic interior based on red, black, and mortar-style finishes, accented with elements that evoke a traditional Japanese aesthetic. From the counter, guests can enjoy a lively view of the cooking process taking place at the grill.The restaurant has 84 seats (20 in fully private rooms, 54 in semi-private rooms, and 10 at the counter). The target customer base consists primarily of men and women in their 40s, with local customers expected to account for about 60% and tourists for about 40%.

■ Grand Opening Campaign

Period: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Details: A 2-hour all-you-can-drink package, normally priced at 2,300 yen (tax included),

　　　 1,580 yen (tax included) during the campaign period

Eligibility: All customers purchasing the all-you-can-drink plan

■Interview with the Owner and Manager

Q1. What is this restaurant particularly proud of?

A. We’re proud of our menu, which features seafood from Hokkaido, primarily from Rausu Town in the Nemuro Subprefecture. We offer a selection of 10 types of Hokkaido sake and 15 types of premium sake from across Japan. In addition to our robata grill, we offer a wide variety of other dishes, so both tourists and local customers can enjoy themselves. (Answered by Machida, Public Relations)

Q2. Please tell us why you decided to open a location here in Susukino, Chuo Ward, Sapporo.

A. While most Hokkaido robata restaurants have only about 30 to 50 seats, there are few that can accommodate large groups. We believed this location in Susukino would allow us to meet the needs of tourists, so we decided to take on this challenge here.

(Answered by Machida, Public Relations)

Q3. Please tell us about your future plans and goals.

A. While our company has traditionally operated relatively affordable brands, we aim to attract new customer segments, expand our business—including outside Hokkaido—under the Hokkaido brand, and grow into a 10 billion yen company.

■ Restaurant Overview

Restaurant Name: Hokkaido Robata Akaoni

Address: 〒064-0807

　　　　　　　　　　 2-6, Minami 7-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, LC Jūichi-bankan B1F

Access: About a 4–6-minute walk from Susukino Station (Namboku Line)

　　　　　　　　　　 Approx. 5-minute walk from Higashi-Honganji-mae Subway Station (Toho Line)

Phone Number: 011-600-3131

Fax Number: 011-600-3132

Grand Opening Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last order for food at 11:00 PM, last order for drinks at 11:30 PM)

Closed: None

Seating Capacity: 84 seats (20 in fully private rooms / 54 in semi-private rooms / 10 at the counter)

Estimated Average Spend per Guest: 5,000–6,000 yen

Payment Methods: Cash, credit cards, electronic money,

　　　　　　　　　　 QR code payments accepted

Official Social Media & Website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robata_akaoni

　　　　　　　　　: Website: https://www.smilesol.com/

■Company Overview

Company Name: SMILE SOL Co., Ltd.

Address: Room 402, Kuribayashi Building, 1-15-2 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804

Representative: Hiroshi Ogawa, Representative Director and Chairman

　　　　　 President and CEO: Tetsuya Fujiwara

Established: December 1, 2010

Capital: 39 million yen

Business Activities: Food and beverage business (izakaya), franchise operations

Phone Number: 011-271-2425

Fax: 011-271-2426

URL: https://www.smilesol.com/

[Customer Inquiries Regarding Stores and Products]

Hokkaido Robata Akaoni

Phone: 011-600-3131

FAX: 011-600-3132

“Kushinyoro,” the official character born during the COVID-19 pandemic as the “Lucky Charm Fairy,” will launch globally as a lifestyle icon, backed by HEARTILY’s unparalleled craftsmanship and retail production capabilities.

Business Partnership

Kushinyoro “Luck Booster” Mini Wallet (1)

■ A Fusion of the “Passion” of the Character’s Naming Parent and a Long-Standing “Spirit of Craftsmanship”

Hiroshi Shikata, Representative Director of Hartley Co., Ltd., is also the one who named “Kushinyoro,” the official mascot of the Japan Kushikatsu Association.In 2020, amid a sense of stagnation throughout society, Kushinyoro was born out of a shared, strong desire to “connect people’s hearts through food and bring vitality to everyday life.”

Hartley’s craftsmanship—honed through its pursuit of uncompromising design and quality as a dress-up manufacturer—breathes life into the character’s story of “boosting good fortune.”

■ Reliable Value and a Distinctive Worldview Delivered Through a Top Brand’s “Retail Strength”

This project fully leverages Hartley’s product development capabilities—which have captivated fans in the custom parts industry for many years—and its robust sales platform. We will deliver items to the world that go beyond mere character merchandise, offering the joy of ownership.

◆ Development of Sophisticated Lifestyle Goods

Infused with the design sensibility and high product quality that Hartley has cultivated over the years, we will sequentially release a collection of high-quality items that brighten up everyday life.

◆ Global Expansion Backed by a Proven Track Record

Leveraging the robust distribution and sales network we’ve built through our own brand, we’ll deliver the charm of Kushinoro directly to fans not only in Japan but around the world.

■ Announcing “Kushikatsu Day” on September 4! First Lineup

Starting on Friday, September 4, 2026—"Kushikatsu Memorial Day"—we will launch the “Kushinyoro, the Kushikatsu Fairy” × “HEARTILY” project. The first product lineup is scheduled to go on sale soon on the official HEARTILY online platform.

[First Product Lineup]

・Product Name: Kushinyoro “Luck Booster” Mini Wallet

・Price: 3,800 yen (tax included) *Offered at a special price, reduced from the regular price of 4,950 yen (tax included)

[Product Details]

This is a large-capacity, compact wallet—seriously produced by HEARTILY—that combines functional beauty with stylish design.

◆ Features

* Compact yet spacious: Efficiently stores cards, bills, and coins.

* Opens wide to 180°: A stress-free design that lets you see the contents at a glance and access items easily.

* Bill compartment that holds bills without folding: Stores bills smoothly without folding them.

* Wide-opening coin pocket: Makes it easy to see and access your change.

* Anti-skimming feature: Equipped with RFID protection to safeguard your valuable card information from external threats.

◆ Specifications

・Material: Genuine leather (cowhide)

・Weight: Approx. 78g (lightweight design)

・Dimensions: 10.8 cm (W) × 8.5 cm (H) × 2.5 cm (D)

・Available in 8 colors: Black, White, Rose Pink, Red, Green,

　　　　　　 Blue, Yellow, Beige

Kushinoro Version

Reggae Version

[Special Sales Site]

Sales URL: https://heartily-jp.com/items

This project fuses the joy of Japan’s “kushikatsu culture” with the passion for craftsmanship that Hartley has always upheld. We would be grateful if you could help spread the word through social media and word of mouth to create a chain of happiness that helps us overcome these challenging times and bring joy to the world.

■ Message from the CEO

Hartey Co., Ltd. Representative Director Hiroshi Shikata

“The ‘passion for craftsmanship’ and ‘commitment to delighting our customers’—values we have consistently upheld for many years in the world of car customization—remain unchanged in our character production as well. We will use the power of the products we have cultivated to share the story behind Kushinyoro with the world. Please look forward to our proposal for a new lifestyle culture.”

Makoto Yoshino, Chairman, Japan Kushikatsu Association

“This collaboration with Mr. Shikata, President of Heartily—a leading innovator in the customization industry—is a significant step forward for Kushinyoro. Drawing on Heartily’s proven track record in retail and professional expertise, I am proud that we can share the ‘joy of food’ and ‘vitality’ inherent in Japan’s kushikatsu culture with the world.”

■ About HEARTILY Co., Ltd.

A leading brand specializing in the planning, manufacturing, and sales of customization parts, primarily for kei cars. While continuing to captivate fans over the years with uncompromising designs and high-quality products, the company also leverages its unique sales network and production capabilities to propose diverse lifestyle options.

HEARTILY Official Website

https://heartily-jp.com/items

HEARTILY Channel

https://youtube.com/channel/UCnKzvzoqAoiecbZ4QuzfpZg?si=P5p-NHsDqiRZVmNN

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mr.heartily?igsi=ajNlcWZ3ZGExbGYy

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuSXZk7bS/

Hartley Official TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@user1246823151192?_r=1&_t=ZS-99P2fdFog2n

◆ Official Information & Inquiries

Japan Kushikatsu Association Official Website

Click here for inquiries and the latest information from the association.

https://share.google/znygmg7kayBngRrAA

◆ Official Social Media

Instagram

Japan Kushikatsu Association: https://www.instagram.com/nkushi94?igsi=Y2NwcHh3ODRqaHNn

Kushinyoro: https://www.instagram.com/94makoto94?igsi=MW50ajU0eGRxbGZmNQ==

X (formerly Twitter)

Japan Kushikatsu Association: https://x.com/jpkushikatsu

TikTok

Kushinyoro: https://www.tiktok.com/@nyoro.94?_r=1&_t=ZS-99Hh8QAsM2G

Threads

Japan Kushikatsu Association: https://www.threads.com/@nkushi94

Kushinyoro: https://www.threads.com/@94makoto94

◆ Merchandise & Digital Art

Official Online Store (CASEPLAY)

CASEPLAY Collection List

Other Merchandise & Art

https://share.google/RIgVLVudk6o6T1khq

SUZURI (Kushikatsu World Original Merchandise Online Store)

https://suzuri.jp/kushikatsuman

HACKK TAG (Kushinyoro Digital Artworks)

https://hackktag.com/9426

◆ Music & Entertainment Content

Official Song

[Kushikatsu Anniversary] YouTube Video

Kushikatsu Anniversary Remix Music Video (Playlist)

Other

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLov8igyewXZBuYF_QW2LAZ8_wwRzCGzxL&si=LV1uYz0-21fJ0GME

Kushikatsu Anniversary Remix Album

https://linkco.re/yMXVvhdA

Featuring agricultural products such as apples and locally produced brand-name beef, the facility will offer a diverse selection of gourmet foods, sweets, and souvenirs—all made with ingredients from the mountains and the sea that can only be enjoyed here. These unique products combine the delicious flavors of local ingredients with a touch of playfulness. Furthermore, as a hub for local history, culture, and tourism information, the station will promote the charms of Ishikawa Town and the wider Fukushima region to visitors both within and outside the prefecture.

First Announcement: https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/626256

Official Website: https://www.michinoeki-isikawa.com/

“Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa” Grand Opening in Ishikawa Town, Fukushima Prefecture, on Friday, September 18!

■ A “Food Theme Park” Packed with the Charms of Apples

The facility’s concept is “~Polished, Radiant Flavors; Bonds Weave Together—Bringing Smiles in Full Bloom Here in Ishikawa Town~.” Thanks to the climate with significant temperature fluctuations and abundant water in the Abukuma River basin, Ishikawa Town is home to a rich variety of agricultural products, including apples and rice.In Fukushima Prefecture, where spring arrives early and warms up quickly while winter arrives late and brings snow, apples spend a long time growing on the trees. By receiving ample sunlight, they develop exceptional juiciness and sweetness.Furthermore, the terrain—surrounded by mountains, a characteristic of mountainous and hilly regions—creates a significant temperature difference between day and night. As a result, the sugar produced during the day is not consumed but is slowly accumulated within the fruit overnight. The fertile, well-drained soil prevents the fruit from absorbing excess moisture, further concentrating its flavor.When you cut into these apples—which have slowly absorbed honey-like sweetness while hanging on the tree—you’ll find juice that overflows and a gleaming beauty. At our station, we offer the apples grown by local producers in a variety of ways.

Apple Image

Located on a site of approximately 20,000 square meters, the facility features about 50 different items and menu options, including apples.In the “Retail Area,” you’ll find a lineup of approximately 670 items, including seasonal local produce such as apples and rice, original products and souvenirs developed in collaboration with local businesses, as well as prepared foods and boxed lunches. In addition to apple-themed gourmet items, you can enjoy a diverse selection of Fukushima-exclusive meals and sweets centered around the bounty of the mountains and the sea—such as“Ishikawa Honey Beef”—raised with meticulous care in a mountain-side barn surrounded by nature—as well as seafood delicacies. You can enjoy a diverse array of Fukushima-exclusive meals and sweets centered on the bounty of the mountains and the sea at the “Sakura no Mori Dining Hall,”“Fukumiri Sweets,” a dessert workshop specializing in apples, offers a wide range of apple-themed products. Additionally, there will be a bakery and a crepe & gelato shop where you can easily enjoy the delicious flavors of apples and Rakuo Milk in one-handed, on-the-go treats.

Image of the “Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa” cafeteria

Outdoors, in addition to a grassy plaza that can be used as a children’s playground, there is a dog run. We aim to create a facility that local residents can enjoy on a daily basis. For tourists and day-trippers, the local trading company “Sakuraiz” will provide information on tourist attractions and lodging facilities within the town, creating an opportunity to explore Ishikawa Town starting from the Roadside Station.

We look forward to welcoming you to our station, which is filled with the spirit of Fukushima’s Ishikawa Town.

■ The “guardian fruit” that ripened at the town’s entrance and the catchphrase “#KomamoriApple”

Ishikawa Town is also known for the komainu (guardian dogs) at Ishitsutsukowake Shrine, a town-designated cultural property.Just like the komainu standing at the shrine’s entrance, the komainu now standing at the entrance to the Roadside Station welcome visitors, protect the facility, and watch over Ishikawa Town. The round shape of the bitten apple conveys gentleness, while its red color radiates a brightness that seems to invite vitality and good fortune.Combining “koma” from “komainu” (guardian dogs), “mamori” from “to protect,” and “ringo” (apple)—which adds color to Ishikawa Town—this monument truly symbolizes both culture and cuisine, and continues to watch over the town with vigor even today.

The “Komamori Apple” Monument at Roadside Station Ishikawa

■ [Retail Area] From seasonal produce to original products where “apples take center stage”!

In the retail area, agricultural products delivered by our contracted producers—ranging from seasonal fruits like apples and pears to vegetables—are displayed in abundance.In addition, we offer a selection of products made with carefully selected ingredients—from apple-based confections and sweets, such as financiers and cakes from “Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa’s” original brand “Fukumiri,” to seasonings essential for everyday cooking. The lineup includes approximately 670 items, including boxed lunches and prepared dishes.

Image of the “Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa” Farmers’ Market

Here, we’d like to introduce a selection of “Fukumiri” products.

(Left) Baked Apple Financier (Financier) Starting at 249 yen (Right) Fluffy Fukushima Apple Bûche Starting at 280 yen

<Product Overview>

A crispy yet moist financier made with apples.

Product Name: Baked Apple Financier

Price: 249 yen (tax included) and up

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Almonds, Soy, Apples

<Product Overview>

This product features diced apples and is made with special attention to the baking process.

Product Name: Fluffy Bûche with Fukushima Apples

Price: 280 yen (tax included) and up

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Soy, Apples

(Left) Fluffy Apple Cheesecake 1,815 yen (Right) FUKUSHIMA Apple Jam 950 yen

<Product Overview>

A soufflé cheesecake packed with chunks of apple.

Product Name: Fluffy Apple Cheesecake

Price: 1,815 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Soy, Apples

<Product Overview>

This apple jam is characterized by its crisp, refreshing sweet-and-sour flavor.

Product Name: FUKUSHIMA Apple Jam

Price: 950 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Apples

Spice-Infused Apple Dry Curry: 864 yen

<Product Overview>

Enjoy the savory flavor of Fukuyama Kogen pork combined with the sweetness of apple jam.

Product Name: Spiced Apple Dry Curry

Price: 864 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, dairy, soy, chicken, pork, apples, sesame

■ [Dining Venue] Apples in layered bento boxes and ramen!? A restaurant where you can heartily savor the bounty of Fukushima

~“Sakura no Mori Shokudo,” where we serve gourmet dishes that delight the eyes alongside apples~

“Sakura no Mori Shokudo,” a restaurant with an eat-in area seating approximately 75 people, offers unique, limited-edition dishes that are a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.The highlight is the “Whole Apple Treasure Chest” (serves about 4 people), which lets you enjoy a variety of side dishes—including rice topped with conger eel, whitebait, and ground beef—served in a multi-tiered box modeled after a large apple. Additionally, the “Sea and Mountain Giant Bowl” (serves about 4 people) lets you enjoy both seafood and mountain delicacies—such as Ishikawa Honey Beef roast beef, croquettes,and deep-fried conger eel—all served in a large rice bowl—as well as the “Sea and Mountain Giant Bowl” (serves approx. 4 people), and the “Sakura Petals Drifting 3-Shaku Udon” (serves approx. 2 people), made with “Chōmei Udon” noodles measuring about 90 cm in length. The menu features dishes that make a strong impression both visually and in scale.Additionally, the menu features the “Ishikawa Honey Beef Luxury Sukiyaki Rice Bowl” made with the town’s locally produced “Ishikawa Honey Beef” brand,as well as a dish that transforms “Cabbage Mochi”—a traditional dish from Fukushima Prefecture—into a thick-sauced ramen, and dishes featuring apples in various forms. You can enjoy the diverse culinary charms unique to Ishikawa Town and Fukushima as a whole, all highlighting the deliciousness of local ingredients.

Here is a selection of items from the menu.

(Left) Treasure Chest of Whole Apples: 8,250 yen (Right) ~Connecting Fukushima~ Sea and Mountain Giant Bowl: 7,150 yen

<Product Overview>

This platter, packed full of Fukushima’s finest delicacies, serves 3–4 people.

Menu Name: Whole Apple Treasure Chest

Price: 8,250 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Squid, Beef, Sesame, Salmon, Soybeans, Chicken, Pork, Apples

<Note 1> The shirasu (baby sardines) used in this product are caught using fishing methods that may result in contamination with shrimp and crab.

<Note 2> Because this product contains honey, please do not give it to infants under 1 year of age.

<Product Overview>

This generously piled rice bowl weighs a total of 2 kg and is topped with a variety of cutlets made from ingredients sourced from both land and sea, such as Ishikawa honey beef and conger eel.

Menu Name: ~Connecting Fukushima~ Huge “Sea and Mountain” Rice Bowl (Serves approx. 4)

Price: 7,150 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Shrimp, wheat, eggs, dairy, beef, sesame, soybeans, chicken, pork, apples

<Note> Because this dish contains honey, please do not serve it to infants under 1 year of age.

(Left) 3-Shaku Udon with Falling Cherry Blossoms: 2,200 yen (Right) Braised Pork Ramen: 2,200 yen

<Product Overview>

These dishes feature “Chōmei Udon”—a long, firm noodle approximately 90 cm in length that offers a satisfying chew and rich flavor.

Menu Name: “Cherry Blossoms in the Wind” 3-shaku Udon

Price: 2,200 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Sesame, Soybeans

<Product Overview>

A hearty ramen topped with a whole slice of braised pork and a soft-boiled egg.

Menu Name: Braised Pork Ramen

Price: 2,200 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Soy, Chicken, Pork

(Left) Ishikawa Honey Beef Deluxe Sukiyaki Bowl: 2,695 yen (Right) Seafood Blossom Teppen Bowl: 1,870 yen

<Product Overview>

This dish features a generous serving of Ishikawa Town’s Honey Beef shoulder roast in a rice bowl.

Menu Name: Ishikawa Honey Beef Deluxe Sukiyaki Rice Bowl

Price: 2,695 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Beef, Soybeans

<Product Overview>

This special dish is finished right in front of the customer by topping it with shirasu (baby sardines).

Menu Name: Seafood Blossom Teppen Rice Bowl

Price: 1,870 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Salmon Roe, Salmon, Soybeans

<Note> The shirasu used in this product is caught using fishing methods that may result in some shrimp and crab being mixed in.

(Left) Sakura no Mori Seafood Bento with Miso Soup: 1,595 yen (Right) Seafood Yukke Bowl: 1,265 yen

<Product Overview>

This seafood bento features seafood as the main attraction and also includes regional specialties.

Menu Name: Sakura no Mori Seafood Bento with Miso Soup

Price: 1,595 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy, Squid, Sesame, Soybeans

<Product Overview>

Aosa seaweed is placed on top of the rice, and seafood marinated in an apple-based soy sauce glaze is arranged on top of that.

Menu Name: Seafood Yukhoe Bowl

Price: 1,265 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Sesame, Salmon, Soybeans, Apples

■ [Specialty Shops] Apples take center stage in a diverse lineup of unique sweets, bread, and gelato!

Inside the station, in addition to retail areas and dining spots, you’ll find specialty shops where you can enjoy sweets, baked goods, crepes, and gelato. At the sweets shop “Fukumiri Sweets,” we offer everything from classic items like apple pie and apple candy to unique ways to enjoy apples through our sweet creations.At “Oishikawai Apple Bakery,” you’ll find “Apple Curry Buns” with apples hidden inside, “Fresh Donuts” featuring a chewy, fluffy dough filled with apples and custard cream,“Apple Bread” that looks just like an apple, and “Chewy Apple Bread” made with a yuzumi dough that’s chewy and moist. Additionally, at “Oishikawai Crepe & Gelato,” you’ll find the “Crunchy Apple Butter Crepe,” featuring a large crepe wrapper,“Apple Candy Gelato” made with apples, and rice-based gelato—for a total of 8 varieties. We offer the delicious flavors of seasonal fruits, carefully selected for their quality, in a variety of Japanese and Western-style sweets. Here, we’d like to introduce a selection of our products.

~Apple Sweets Workshop “Fukumiri Sweets”~

(Left) Crispy Apple Pie 400 yen (Right) Round Apple Pie 400 yen

<Product Overview>

Sliced apples and almond-scented custard are layered on top of a crispy, flaky crust and baked to perfection. This thin-crust apple pie boasts an irresistibly crispy texture.

Product Name: Crispy Apple Pie

Price: 400 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Almonds, Apples, Oranges, Gelatin

<Product Overview>

Diced apples are carefully simmered with caramel, apple juice, cinnamon, and other spices, then enclosed in the pastry and baked.

Product Name: Round Apple Pie

Price: 400 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Apples, Oranges

(Left) Crispy Apple Candy “Apo” 580 yen (Right) Apple Candy Pie 600 yen

<Product Overview>

We’ve coated stick-shaped apples with candy to give them a crispy texture. When enjoyed alongside a pie topped with caramelized apples and a hint of cinnamon, it’s just like eating a fresh apple pie!

Product Name: Crispy Apple Candy “Apo”

Price: 580 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Milk, wheat, soy, apples

<Product Overview>

Topped with an apple cream puff coated in candy and filled with diced domestic apples, this apple pie is perfect for eating on the go.

Product Name: Apple Candy Pie

Price: 600 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Almonds, Apples

~“Oishikawai Apple Bakery,” a bakery born in Ishikawa-cho that loves fruit~

(Left) Apple Curry Bread 380 yen (Right) Apple Custard Fresh Donut 380 yen

<Product Overview>

A curry bread packed with chunks of apple, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Product Name: Apple Curry Bread

Price: 380 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Soy, Apples, Beef, Sesame, Chicken

<Product Overview>

We’ve filled a chewy, fluffy dough—aged for three days—with crisp apples and smooth custard cream.

Product Name: Apple Custard Fresh Donut

Price: 380 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Gelatin, Apples

(Left) Apple Bread 480 yen (Right) Chewy Apple Bread 800 yen

<Product Overview>

We’ve packed this cute bread—which looks just like an apple, bursting with apples, jam, and custard—full of delicious flavor.

Product Name: Apple Bread

Price: 480 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, Eggs, Milk, Soy, Gelatin, Apples

<Product Overview>

We’ve kneaded plenty of apples and jam into this chewy yuzumi-style white bread.

Product Name: Chewy Apple Bread

Price: 800 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Wheat, dairy, apples, soy

~The Ingredients Take Center Stage!! “Oishikawai Crepes & Gelato”~

(Left) Oishikawai Apple Crepe (with cream topping) 950 yen~ (Right) Crispy Apple Butter Crepe 1,000 yen

<Product Overview>

These crepes feature our signature chewy crepe batter filled with apples, apple sauce, black tea jelly, and puff pastry.

Product Name: Oishikawai Apple Crepe

Price: 950 yen (tax included) and up

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Almonds, Sesame, Apples, Gelatin

<Product Overview>

A large crepe with a crispy crust filled with custard, cinnamon, and apple preserves.

Product Name: Crispy Apple Butter Crepe

Price: 1,000 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Almonds, Sesame, Apples, Gelatin

(Left) Assorted Gelato (8 varieties total) Starting at 400 yen (Right) Gelato Wrapped in Mochi That Tastes Just Like an Apple 750 yen

<Product Overview>

Enjoy gelato made with carefully selected ingredients such as Rakuo Milk, apples, blueberries, and rice.

Product Name: Assorted Gelato (8 varieties total)

Price: 400 yen (tax included) and up

Allergens: Vary by gelato flavor

<Product Overview>

This cute gelato looks just like an apple—it’s made by wrapping apple candy gelato in a pale pink mochi wrapper.

Product Name: Apple-Like Mochi-Wrapped Gelato

Price: 750 yen (tax included)

Allergens: Dairy, wheat, soy, apples

*All images are for illustrative purposes only.

*All product and menu prices include tax.

■ Media Preview / Pre-Opening / Grand Opening: Event Overview

Thursday, the 17th: Media Preview

Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Eligibility: Media representatives only

Thursday, September 17: Pre-Opening

Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Eligibility: General public (town residents only)

Friday, September 18: Grand Opening

Date and Time: Friday, September 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Program: Starting at 10:00 AM—Station Opening Ceremony (scheduled to include remarks by the mayor, congratulatory speeches by guests of honor, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony)

　　　11:00 AM – Grand Opening

Target Audience: Media Representatives, General Public

■ Facility Overview

Name: Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa

Address: 58-1 Ohashi, Ishikawa-machi, Ishikawa District, Fukushima Prefecture

Area: Approx. 20,000 m²

Parking Capacity: 170 standard vehicles, 14 large vehicles, 3 spaces for people with disabilities, 2 considerate parking spaces

Facility Amenities: 27 restrooms / Information Center, Rest Area, Tourist Information Center,

　　　　　　　 Baby Care Area, Emergency Power Supply, Public Wi-Fi, Retail Shops,

　　　　　　　 Food and beverage facilities, lawn area, dog park, EV charging stations

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

　　　　　　　 Retail Shops, Lawn Area, and Dog Park: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

　　　　　　　 Sakura no Mori Cafeteria: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last Order: 3:00 PM)

　　　　　　　 Fukumiri Sweets: 9:00 AM–

　　　　　　　 Oishikawai Apple Bakery: 9:00 AM–

　　　　　　　 *Sales end once items are sold out for each time slot (scheduled)

　　　　　　　 Oishikawai Crepe & Gelato: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Facility Management and Operation: Sakura no Mori Co., Ltd.

Official Website: https://www.michinoeki-isikawa.com/

Exterior and Interior Images of “Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa”

■ Facility Management and Operations

Designated Manager: TTC Co., Ltd.

Representative: Yasuyuki Kawagoe, Representative Director

Address: 686 Kamitaga, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Main Business Activities: Planning, development, wholesale, and sales of branded products, as well as quality control;

　　　　　　　 development and operation of brand stores, regional revitalization consulting services,

　　　　　　　 general store production, development and operation of food theme parks,

　　　　　　　 operation of roadside stations; planning, development, wholesale, and retail of tourist souvenirs;

　　　　　　　 planning, development, wholesale, and sales of beauty and health-related products; hot spring business;

　　　　　　　 Sixth-sector business (agriculture)

Official Website: https://www.ttc-gr.co.jp/

Facility Operator: Sakura no Mori Co., Ltd. (a wholly owned local subsidiary of TTC Co., Ltd.)

Representative: President and CEO Takahito Kawagoe

Address: 284 Kanosaka, Ishikawa-machi, Ishikawa District, Fukushima Prefecture

Main Business Activities: Management and operation of the “Ishikawa” Roadside Station (scheduled to open on September 18, 2026),

　　　　　　　 Development, manufacture, and sale of tourist souvenirs; processing and sale of crafts and folk art;

　　　　　　　 sale of food products, operation of restaurants, and operations related to regional trading company business

Official Website: https://www.sakuranomori-fukushima.com/

In particular, there has been a rise in visitors staying at hotels around the Omori Kaigan area, with a notable number of them discovering “Satsumakko” through review sites and social media before visiting.

Satsumakko Ramen 1

[Number of Inbound International Tourists to Reach Record High in 2025]

According to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors to Japan is recovering at a pace that exceeds pre-COVID levels and is expected to remain high in 2025.

According to the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Survey on Inbound Consumer Trends,” dining expenses are one of the major categories of spending by foreign tourists visiting Japan, and an increasing number of travelers are enjoying Japan’s unique culinary culture—such as ramen and sushi—during their stay.

In recent years, driven by social media and video posts, attention has shifted not only to major chain restaurants but also to community-based eateries, and there is a growing trend among visitors seeking “local culinary experiences.”

JNTO: https://www.jnto.go.jp/

Japan Tourism Agency: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/

[Rapid Increase in Foreign Customers and Positive Reviews]

Amid this trend, the number of foreign tourists visiting our ramen restaurant “Satsumakko Heiwajima,” located in Ota Ward, Tokyo, has increased fivefold compared to last year. In particular, there has been a rise in visits from hotel guests staying in the Omori Kaigan area, with many discovering “Satsumakko” through review sites and social media before paying a visit.While Chinese tourists used to make up the majority of our customers, we are now seeing an increase in visitors from South Korea, Vietnam, and Western countries. Thanks to our location near Haneda Airport, we often see foreign customers enjoying “Japanese ramen culture” late at night. Another notable trend is the high number of orders for “Satsumakko Ramen,” which is in the higher price range.While some customers from Western countries may not be fond of nori or wakame, it’s impressive to see many of them enthusiastically enjoying their ramen even while using chopsticks, which they are not accustomed to.

[Satsumakko Ramen Details]

The signature “Satsumakko Ramen” features a “soy sauce-based pork bone broth” developed through 50 years of research. While it makes full use of the rich umami of pork bones, the aftertaste is light, and it is beloved as a traditional flavor crafted only by skilled artisans.

This bowl, loaded with chashu pork, cabbage, and a seasoned egg, is the restaurant’s pride and joy—a dish they recommend you try first. Thanks to its location near Haneda Airport, it has garnered high praise from international visitors to Japan, who say it offers “an authentic taste of local Japanese ramen.”

Satsumakko Ramen 2

[Future Plans]

“Satsumakko,” which has been beloved by the local community for many years, will continue to operate as a community-focused restaurant, striving to create an experience where customers from both Japan and abroad can enjoy Japanese ramen culture.

Satsumakko Heiwajima Branch

[Company Overview]

Name: Yoshinaka Shoji, Ltd.

Business Activities: Operation of the “Satsumakko” ramen restaurant chain

Address: 2-15-2 Denenchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo 145-0071

URL: https://www.satsumakko.com/

"Kushikatsu Day (Remix Collection)" Album Cover Design

We are also pleased to announce that distribution of the official music video (MV) for the original song “Kushikatsu Memorial Day” will begin on the same day.

This video was filmed to coincide with the release on “Kushikatsu Day,” September 4, 2025, and features HAN-KUN of Shonan no Kaze—who wrote the lyrics, composed the music, and served as producer for the song—along with singer Shoko Haida,as well as students from the Musical Academy Dream who participated in the backing vocals.

The full-length music video is scheduled to be released at a later date.

■ Background and History of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Project

This project is an industry-academia collaboration between the “Japan Kushikatsu Association,” which aims to promote kushikatsu culture and revitalize local communities, and HAL, a vocational school dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creators.Based on the original song “Kushikatsu Memorial Day” produced by reggae artist HAN-KUN (Shonan no Kaze), students from HAL’s Music Department took on the challenge of creating a remix. Over the course of approximately three months, they worked on the production process—including arrangement, mixing, and sound design—to create a piece that showcases their individual sensibilities and technical skills.

This project, which was first presented and unveiled at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, has now been released as a remix album on September 4—"Kushikatsu Memorial Day." We are proud to deliver an unprecedented kushikatsu entertainment experience that fuses the students’ fresh sensibilities with digital technology.

Industry-Academia Collaboration Project

■ “Kushikatsu Memorial Day Remix Album” Overview

While preserving the energy of the original tracks, creators from a variety of genres have reimagined and reconstructed (remixed) them with their own unique interpretations. This album is packed with the lively rhythm reminiscent of the sound of kushikatsu frying and positive sounds designed to boost your luck.

● Album Title: Kushikatsu Anniversary Remix Album

● Produced by: Japan Kushikatsu Association (General Incorporated Association)

● Production Support: HAL (Industry-Academia Collaboration Project)

● Release Date: Friday, September 4, 2026

● Sales Site URL: https://linkco.re/yMXVvhdA

■ Short Music Video for the Original Song “Kushikatsu Anniversary” Released; Official Music Video (MV) Unveiled

To coincide with the album’s release, we are releasing a short music video for the original song “Kushikatsu Anniversary.”

This lively and uplifting video is sure to add even more excitement to the anniversary on September 4.

● Short Music Video Release Date and Time: Friday, September 4, 2026, at 12:00 a.m.

● YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/@hankunofficial?si=JBnvmPaDMMgcBjay

(*The full-length music video will be released at a later date on HAN-KUN’s official YouTube channel.)

■ Related Articles on Kushikatsu Day

AI Use Allowed! A 24-Hour Limited Art Contest Where Professionals, Amateurs, and All Ages Are Welcome to Shout Their “Love for Kushikatsu” with Complete Creative Freedom Kicks Off on September 4 | Japan Kushikatsu Association (General Incorporated Association)

https://share.google/ejNSBiyh9HZj2eCZG

[Collaboration with the Japan Kushikatsu Association] Bringing Vitality to Japan Through Support and the Spirit of Kushikatsu! Support the 24-Hour Limited-Time Art Contest Held on September 4, “Kushikatsu Day”! | Press Release from IDEABLE WORKS Co., Ltd.

https://share.google/exhOlmAaZ8yLVPZJU

Japan Kushikatsu Association Holds Art Contest; Proceeds from Artwork Sales to Support Disaster-Stricken Areas - Kyobashi Economic News

https://share.google/OmSQkkCtZnJOOyFHk

■ About the Japan Kushikatsu Association (General Incorporated Association)

Under the motto “Bringing Smiles to the World with Kushikatsu,” the Japan Kushikatsu Association engages in activities to preserve and promote kushikatsu culture, as well as plans various events and promotions. Even during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to spread a bright and positive culture.

■About HAL Vocational School

HAL Vocational School operates campuses in front of major train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, as well as in New York and Paris, training students to become immediately employable professionals in the fields of gaming, CG, music, automotive design, and IT.

Pursuing “industry-academia collaboration”—considered the ideal in vocational education—the school offers direct instruction from leading professionals, case studies commissioned by companies for students to tackle, and software and hardware recognized by industry experts. It boasts a 100% employment rate for those seeking employment.

Our three major guarantee programs—“Full Employment Guarantee,” “National Certification Pass Guarantee,” and “Salary Guarantee”—are a testament to our confidence.

Open house events are held every month. Campus tours and consultations are available daily (except Sundays and national holidays).

HAL Vocational School: https://www.HAL.ac.jp

In addition to in-person attendance, the event will be streamed live online and made available as an archived recording.

Event Details: https://www.kodomomirai.net/

Announcement of the 4th Children’s Future Summit in Kobe

■ “Today Is a Turning Point”—Children’s Potential Is Limitless

Every child possesses a unique personality and irreplaceable potential. At the same time, many families face challenges related to child-rearing and development, such as “difficulty staying calm,” “struggling to adjust to school life,” “communication difficulties,” and “inability to maintain focus.”

The “Children’s Future Summit” is an event where neurosurgeons, educators, food education experts, and practitioners supporting children with developmental challenges share their insights and experiences to explore, from multiple perspectives, ways to bring out the innate potential of children.

Since the first summit held on Miyako Island in 2023, we have addressed a variety of themes related to child development and education. For this fourth summit, under the theme “Today Is a Turning Point,” we will explore children’s futures, the future of education, food and living environments, and ways of life that we can pass on to the next generation.

■ An Interdisciplinary Approach Combining the Brain, Nutrition, and Restful Environments

For the keynote address, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Nobuyoshi Shinoura, a neurosurgeon and Doctor of Medicine who has been a speaker at every event since the first.

In recent years, Dr. Shinohara has been implementing a multifaceted approach for children facing developmental challenges by combining the following three elements:

・“Simple Concentration (Meditation),” a health device that uses sound to promote relaxation and focus

・A dietary regimen that utilizes natural broths to incorporate minerals into daily meals

• Creating a restful environment using “AlphaSleem,” bedding infused with minerals

By supporting children not only through acoustic stimulation of the brain but also by addressing their daily diet and rest environment, cases have been reported where positive changes were observed in various aspects of daily life, such as speech, concentration, social interaction, emotional regulation, and adaptation to group settings.

At this summit, Dr. Shinoura will explain the philosophy behind these initiatives and discuss the growth and changes actually observed in children, using specific case examples.

*The case studies presented represent individual progress observed during a period when multiple interventions were implemented. They do not indicate the standalone effects of any specific product or food, nor do they establish a medical causal relationship. Additionally, the changes observed may vary from person to person.

■ Changes in Children Confirmed Through Developmental Assessments and Daily Life

Among the children who participated in the program, there are cases where developmental progress in social skills, language, perception, and physical development was confirmed in developmental assessments conducted after a certain period.

Furthermore, the following changes have been reported from homes, daycare centers, and educational settings:

・An increase in vocabulary and two-word sentences, enabling them to express their feelings

・They showed increased interest in people other than themselves, such as family members and friends

・They were able to shift their moods more quickly, and their tantrums decreased

・They were able to spend more time calmly in group settings

・Changes have been observed in daily life aspects such as eating, sleeping, and toileting

・A willingness to try new things and a sense of confidence have developed

On the day of the event, we plan to highlight the children’s growth—which cannot be fully conveyed by numbers alone—as well as the changes observed by their families and childcare and education professionals.

■ Special Guest: Mr. Taihei Takizawa

Our special guest will be Mr. Taihei Takizawa, Representative Director of Yatsuha Co., Ltd., Representative Director of Yatsugatake Peace Farm Co., Ltd., and Representative Director of the General Incorporated Association Kibutsu Yatsugatake.

Mr. Takizawa has traveled the world exploring sustainable societies and communities, and is currently working to create a model for a circular society at the southern foot of Mount Yatsugatake.

At this summit, he will speak from a broad perspective about the future of the Earth on which our children will live, sustainable societies, and what we should leave for the next generation and what way of life we should pass on to them.

■ Key Speakers

・Dr. Nobuyoshi Shinoura

　M.D., Neurosurgeon / Representative, Shinoura Juku (General Incorporated Association)

・Mr. Taihei Takizawa

　Representative Director, Yatsuha Co., Ltd.

　Representative Director, Yatsugatake Peace Farm Co., Ltd.

　Representative Director, Kibutsu Yatsugatake General Incorporated Association

・Ms. Hisae Shinshiro

　Principal, Hanazono Kindergarten, Miyakojima

・Mr. Shohei Suzuki

　Representative, Edison-Einstein School Association (General Incorporated Association)

・Ms. Mika Kunimitsu

　Representative, Food Education Psychology Research Institute (Featured in the video)

・Yumiko Kamibo

　Representative, Future Education Academy (General Incorporated Association)

・Koji Sasaki

　Representative Director, Cell Power, Inc. / Organizer of the Children’s Future Summit

・Danmaru

　Artistic Director, Yassan Troupe Kamishibai

*Speakers and program content are subject to change.

■Event Overview

Event Name: 4th Children’s Future Summit in Kobe

Theme: Children’s Potential Is Limitless—Today Is a Turning Point

Date and Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Doors Open: 12:30 PM

Venue: Kobe Port Oasis, Conference Room

Address: 5-2 Shinko-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture 650-0041

Format: In-person attendance, live online streaming, and on-demand streaming

Participation Fee: ・In-person attendance: Junior high school students and older: 2,750 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　 ・In-person attendance: Elementary school students and younger: Free

　　　　　　 ・Online Participation: 1,650 yen (tax included)

　　　　　　 *A separate EventPay system usage fee applies.

　　　　　　 *Online participation includes both the live stream on the day of the event and the archived stream available afterward.

　　　　　　 .

How to Register: Please register via the registration page on the official website.

Official Website: https://www.kodomomirai.net/

Scenes from the Children’s Future Summit - 1

■ Benefits for In-Person Attendees

・Bonus videos from experts to help you gain a deeper understanding of the lecture content

・A giveaway of one “Simple Concentration” audio device, recommended by Dr. Shinoura

・A link to the event archive for later viewing

*Benefits are subject to change.

■About Cell Power Co., Ltd.

Cell Power Co., Ltd. develops, manufactures, and sells the health device “Cell Power,” as well as products such as “Simple Concentration” and “Simple Meditation,” which utilize sound to support relaxation and concentration.

Aiming to expand the inherent potential of children, the company is also engaged in awareness-raising activities in the fields of education and health, including the hosting of the “Children’s Future Summit.”

Company Name: Cell Power Co., Ltd.

Representative: Koji Sasaki, Representative Director

Address: 4F, Miyoshi Building, 400 Osaka-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8177

Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of health devices and electrical products

URL: https://www.cellpower.jp/

Simple Focus

■Inquiries regarding this event

Children’s Future Summit in Kobe Secretariat

mana Co., Ltd.

Phone: 0797-21-2025 (Weekdays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM)

E-mail: event@mananchu.jp

(C)2026 “At the House by the Water” Production Committee

The “At the House by the Water” Production Committee is pleased to announce that “At the House by the Water” (English title: Chihiro | Akemi), the feature film directorial debut of Tetsu Natori—a filmmaker known for his work on numerous TV commercials and music videos—has been selected for the feature film competition section of the “31st Split International Film Festival(SPLIT FILM FESTIVAL), held in Croatia (September 11–18), and will have its world premiere there.

*At the House by the Water* (English title: *Chihiro | Akemi*) Official Website: https://satoshinatori.com/chihiro-akemi/

Established in 1996 as Croatia’s oldest film festival, the Split International Film Festival is celebrating its 31st edition this year.The festival has a well-established reputation for its artistic vision and high-quality programming, having previously awarded Honorary Awards to master directors such as Chris Marker, Béla Tarr, and Lars von Trier—filmmakers who have profoundly influenced filmmakers worldwide with their unique visual aesthetics.In recent years, there has been a growing focus on Japanese cinema; at last year’s 30th edition, Shingo Ota’s *Shadows of the Marsh: Public Pool (2025)* was selected for the competition section and screened as the opening film.At the 27th edition, *Yamabuki* (2022) by director Juichiro Yamazaki—which was also selected for the ACID section at the Cannes International Film Festival—won the Grand Prix. The festival is known for highly valuing innovative and experimental works of art that transcend mainstream boundaries.This year, eight carefully selected films from around the world have been chosen for the Feature Film Competition, with *At the House by the Shore* (English title: *Chihiro | Akemi*) being the sole entry from Japan.

This nature thriller follows Chihiro (Mao Tezuka), a woman haunted by a dark past—the loss of her young son—as she and her husband Satoru (Souji Arai) visit a lakeside house for recuperation. Amid their quiet life there, the world around her gradually begins to unravel.

The role of Chihiro is played by Mao Tezuka, who has appeared primarily in television and commercials, including the NHK Taiga drama *Break Through the Blue Sky* (2021) and the NHK morning drama *Chimu Dondon* (2022).The role of Chihiro’s husband, Satoru, is played by Souji Arai, who gained international attention for his portrayal of the second son, Moses, in the drama series *Pachinko* (2022) (Apple TV+) and has been active in a wide range of projects both in Japan and abroad.And Kanon Nawata, who appeared in the film *BAD LANDS* (2023), plays the role of Akemi, a female hunter.

■Director’s Comment

I am deeply honored that our film has been selected for the Feature Film Competition section of the historic Split International Film Festival.

Seeing the names of the distinguished directors who have participated in the past fills me with joy, but also makes me feel a sense of responsibility.

Eastern Hokkaido, where the film was shot, is a place dear to me—it’s where I learned to hunt from my late mentor. Just like the primeval forests of that region, which still retain their original, untamed beauty, I eagerly await the day when Croatian audiences can experience this pure and wild film.

■Director Profile

Director: Satoshi Natori

Filmmaker / Director

He made his debut as a video director in 2002 with a music video for DEV LARGE (BUDDHA BRAND).

Since then, he has directed music videos for numerous artists, including PUSHIM, DJ BAKU, ILL-BOSSTINO (THA BLUE HERB), B.I.G.JOE, Tamaki ROY, Mika Nakajima, Naotaro Moriyama, and Anyango.He has also directed promotional videos for the hip-hop program BLACK FILE (SSTV) as well as for global brands such as TOYOTA, adidas, and Google, and is active throughout Asia, based in Tokyo and Shanghai.In recent years, he has expanded his creative horizons through projects such as the live art installation “The Inside Out” with Toshiyuki Terui and collaborative works with visual artist SHOHEI TAKASAKI. This film, *At the House by the Water* (English title: *Chihiro | Akemi*), marks his directorial debut in feature-length cinema.

■ Film Overview

Film: *At the House by the Water* (English Title: *Chihiro | Akemi*)

<Story>

After losing her young son in a bathing accident and consumed by guilt, Chihiro visits a secluded lakeside house with her husband to recuperate. There, they are greeted by Akemi, a female hunter who does not speak.Chihiro ventures into the forest and immerses herself in photography, but she is unable to eat or sleep, spending her days feeling as though she is barely alive. Meanwhile, her husband, Satoru, continues to avoid confronting the sense of loss they should be sharing, and Chihiro is gradually swallowed up by a deep vortex of grief.

<Credits>

Cast:　　　　　　　　　: Mao Tezuka (Chihiro), Kanon Nawata (Akemi),

　　　　　　　　　　　　 Shun’eru Isono (Yuta), Soji Arai (Satoru)

　　　　　　　　　　　　 Manabu Yonemoto, Shungiku Uchida

Director: Tetsu Natori

Screenplay: Shosuke Kudo

Editor: Shogo Yokoyama

Music: Yoshihiro Hanno; Theme Music: Anyango

Producers: Tetsu Natori, Kanon Nawata, Satoru Nakamura, Park So-hee

Cinematography: Takayuki Sugimura, Yuki Shimamura

Art Direction: Mao Yamauchi

Sound Design: Keefar

Color Grading: Max Golomidov

VFX: Makoto Kurehei

Production Manager: Asuki Maejima

Sound Recording　　　　　　　　　: Rinko Fujita

Costume Design　　　　　　　　　: Kohei Oishi

Hair and Makeup: Akemi Kurata, Arisa Tada

Still Photography　　　　　　　: Katsushi Miyake

Special Effects: Tomo Momotake

Costume Management: Hirari Matsumura

Key Visual Design: Reimi Akiyama

Production Company: GunsRock

Produced by: endless poetry, MamFive

　　　　　　　　　　　　 (2026 / Japan / 81 min / Color / 5.1ch /

　　　　　　　　　　　　 Original Title: At the House by the River / English Title: Chihiro | Akemi)

　　　　　　　　　　　　 (C)2026 “At the House by the Water” Production Committee

Distribution and Publicity: Aya Ishikawa

"At the House by the River (English Title: Chihiro | Akemi)" Split International Film Festival Official Website

https://splitfilmfestival.hr/programme/chihiro-akemi/

“SMILE SOL Presents GRABS Festival” Official Promotional Image

*This image was created using generative AI.

■Key Points of This Article

・“GRABS Festival,” where Nahoko Tanioka—a rising star from GRABS Kickboxing Studio (Sapporo)—will challenge for the WMA Women’s Featherweight World Title on home turf, will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Concarino in Nishi Ward, Sapporo.

・In August 2025, GRABS Studio’s fighter Nadeshiko became the first person from Hokkaido to win the WBC Muay Thai Women’s Minimumweight World Title. The studio—which has embodied the spirit that “even someone from a regional area can become the best in the world”—presents a day of entertainment that even martial arts beginners and families can enjoy.

・The main sponsor of the event is SMILE SOL Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Sapporo; Chairman and CEO: Hiroshi Ogawa), which operates multiple restaurant brands, including “Tecchan,” in Hokkaido and Sapporo.

・Tickets are currently on sale, ranging from 8,000 yen (Section A) to 50,000 yen (VIP Seats). The event is organized by the GRABS Festival Executive Committee.

The “WMA Women’s Featherweight World Title Match” has been confirmed as the main event. Stepping into the ring will be GRABS-affiliated fighter Nahoko Tanioka, a promising prospect with a professional record of 5 wins and 3 losses. She began karate at age 6 and, after winning a national championship, representing Japan, and placing third at a world championship, she transitioned to kickboxing.Having gained experience in rings around the world—including a Muay Thai bout at Thailand’s Rajadamnern Stadium in 2025—she will now challenge for the world title in her hometown of Sapporo.

GRABS Kickboxing Studio, which is organizing this event, saw its fighter Nadeshiko capture the WBC Muay Thai Women’s Minimumweight World Title in August 2025.This marked a historic first for a native of Hokkaido, proving that “even from a regional area, one can become the best in the world.” As a community-wide event designed to pass this legacy on to the next generation, the day’s program will feature everything from serious matches involving kids and amateurs to official professional bouts and world title fights—all in a single day. The event is designed to be accessible even to those who don’t usually watch combat sports, as well as families with children.

■ Nahoko Tanioka Profile

The star of this tournament, who embodies the motto “From my hometown of Sapporo to the world.” Arming herself with the skills honed in karate, she made the transition to kickboxing and has steadily built her career.

Affiliation: GRABS Kickboxing Studio (Sapporo)

Professional Record: 5 wins, 3 losses

Background: Began karate at age 6. After winning a national championship, representing Japan, and placing third at a world championship,

　　　　　 she switched to kickboxing.

　　　　　 In 2025, he competed in Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium in Thailand, the birthplace of the sport,

　　　　　 and has gained experience in rings around the world.

This Event: She will challenge for the WMA Women’s Featherweight World Title in her hometown of Sapporo.

■ Main Sponsor: SMILE SOL Co., Ltd.

This event will be held as the “SMILE SOL Presents GRABS Festival” under the title sponsorship of SMILE SOL Co., Ltd.Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, SMILE SOL Co., Ltd. is a restaurant chain that operates numerous dining brands throughout the prefecture, including the casual yakitori alley “Tecchan” and the seafood izakaya “Hokkaido Taishu Sakaba Saburo.” Guided by the corporate philosophy of “working with a smile as bright as the sun,” the company has aimed to bring smiles to local customers and colleagues through its restaurants.

The company’s journey—steadily expanding its network of restaurants while remaining deeply rooted in the community—mirrors the journey of the challengers in this tournament, who are aiming to move from their hometown of Sapporo to the world stage. As the main sponsor of the GRABS Festival, SMILE SOL will provide full support for the tournament and, under the motto “From Sapporo to the World,” will back both the community and the athletes in their endeavors.

Company Name: SMILE SOL Co., Ltd.

Representatives: Hiroshi Ogawa, Chairman and Representative Director / Tetsuya Fujiwara, President and Representative Director

Established: December 1, 2010 (Heisei 22)

Capital: 39 million yen

Address: Room 402, Kuribayashi Building, 1-15-2 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Business Activities: Food and beverage business (izakaya management) and franchise development

Brands Operated: “Taishu Kushi Yokocho Tetsu-chan,” “Seafood Izakaya Hokkaido Taishu Sakaba Saburo”

　　　　　　　 “Hokkaido Seafood Izakaya Tettchan,” “Shabu-Shabu Retasu”

　　　　　　　 “Tsūro,” “Uchōten,” “Teppachi,” “Tōrin”

　　　　　　　 “Kenta’s Boneless Chicken Wings Sakki,” etc.,

　　　　　　　 Operating numerous restaurants throughout Hokkaido

Corporate Philosophy: With the motto “Work with a smile as bright as the sun,”

　　　　　　　 we aim to bring happiness to our colleagues, customers, and ourselves

　　　　　　　 through our restaurants

Official Website: https://www.smilesol.com/

■3 Highlights — Why Even Martial Arts Beginners Can Enjoy It to the Fullest

(1) Witness a World Title Match in Sapporo

A special bout in which Nahoko Tanioka, who has competed on rings around the world, challenges for the world title in her hometown of Sapporo.

(2) Authentic Muay Thai Rules Where a Single Strike Can Change the Outcome—Including Elbows and Clinch

Authentic rules straight from the source, featuring powerful techniques like elbow strikes and “clinch” maneuvers where fighters lock arms to deliver knee strikes. Even if you don’t know the rules, the tension is palpable at a glance—that’s the appeal.

(3) A story of growth, from amateur matches to world title fights

The tournament format lets you experience the story of growth—from kids’ and amateur debutants to Japan’s top fighters and even world title matches—all in a single day.

Even martial arts beginners can fully enjoy the event.

■Event Overview

Event Name: SMILE SOL Presents GRABS Festival

Date and Time: Sunday, October 4, 2026 OPEN 12:00 PM / START 1:00 PM

Venue: Concarino, a Community Support Cultural Facility

　　　　　　　　　 1F, 2-10, 1-chome, Nishi 1-jo, Hachiken, Nishi Ward, Sapporo

Organizers: New Japan Kickboxing Federation /

　　　　　　　　　 GRABS Festival Executive Committee (GRABS Kickboxing Studio)

Main Sponsor: SMILE SOL Co., Ltd.

　　　　　　　　　 (Chuo Ward, Sapporo / Operator of the “Tecchan” restaurant brand, among others)

Competition Rules: Muay Thai Rules (Elbows and clinching allowed)

Tickets: 8,000 yen (Section A) – 50,000 yen (VIP Seats) *See below for details

Inquiries: GRABS Kickboxing Studio

　　　　　　　　　 TEL/FAX: 011-731-3232

　　　　　　　　　 Email: grabs.kick@gmail.com

■ Main Match Card

<Main Event>

WMA Women’s Featherweight World Title Match (5 rounds of 2 minutes each)

Nahoko Tanioka (GRABS) vs. Sarinda Pattananan (Thailand)

<Semifinal>

Welterweight (3 minutes, 3 rounds)

Riku (GRABS) vs Kenshin Uesugi (PKC Rento-kai)

<G-ROUND Title Match and Others>

Yuzuha (GRABS) vs Kaori Yokoo (Seishikai)

*In addition, the event will feature 4 amateur G-ROUND title matches, 3 matches allowing elbows and clinching, 1 Minerva-sanctioned women’s match, 2 karate exhibition matches, and a kids’ dance performance.

*The fight card is subject to change. Please check the official website (https://www.grabs-kick.jp/) for the latest information.

■ Ticket Prices (Tax Included)

VIP Seats: 50,000 yen

SRS Seats: 16,000 yen

RS Seats: 14,000 yen

S Seats: 11,000 yen

A Seats: 8,000 yen

*All prices include tax. For ticket reservations and details, please visit the official website or contact GRABS Kickboxing Studio.

From Sapporo to the World: GRABS Festival!

■ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I enjoy the event even if I don’t know much about combat sports?

A. Of course. In addition to thrilling matches featuring elbow strikes and grappling, there are family-friendly events like the kids’ dance stage, so even beginners and families can enjoy the event with ease.

Q. What kind of event is the “GRABS Festival”?

A. It’s a martial arts event featuring fighters primarily from the GRABS Kickboxing Studio in Sapporo. Headlined by local rising star Nahoko Tanioka’s challenge for the WMA Women’s Featherweight World Title, the event will also feature numerous Muay Thai-rule matches.

Q. What kind of fighter is Nahoko Tanioka?

A. She is a promising prospect affiliated with GRABS, with a professional record of 5 wins and 3 losses. She began practicing karate at age 6, went on to win a national championship, represent Japan internationally, and place third at a world tournament before switching to kickboxing. She has gained experience in rings around the world, including a Muay Thai bout at Rajadamnern Stadium in Thailand in 2025.

Q. What are the event dates and venue?

A. Sunday, October 4, 2026. Doors open at 12:00 PM / Event starts at 1:00 PM. The venue is the Concarino Community Support Cultural Facility (1F, 2-10, 1-chome, Nishi 1-jo, Hachiken, Nishi-ku, Sapporo).

Q. How much are the tickets?

A. There are five ticket categories: A Seats 8,000 yen, S Seats 11,000 yen, RS Seats 14,000 yen, SRS Seats 16,000 yen, and VIP Seats 50,000 yen (tax included).

Q. Who are the organizers and main sponsors?

A. The event is organized by the New Japan Kickboxing Federation and the GRABS Festival Executive Committee (GRABS Kickboxing Studio). The main sponsor is SMILE SOL Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Sapporo; Chairman and CEO: Hiroshi Ogawa), which operates multiple restaurant brands in Hokkaido and Sapporo, including “Tecchan.”

Q. What kind of company is SMILE SOL, the main sponsor?

A. Founded in 2010, SMILE SOL is a restaurant company headquartered in Chuo Ward, Sapporo. It operates multiple dining brands throughout Hokkaido, including “Tecchan” (known for kushikatsu and offal hot pot) and the seafood izakaya “Hokkaido Taishu Sakaba Saburo.” Guided by the corporate philosophy of “working with a smile as bright as the sun,” the company operates its stores with a strong focus on the local community.

The world’s top fighters are coming to Sapporo—this is a highly anticipated bout.

CODE BLUE 2026

■ All-Time High! Over 640 Submissions from Japan and Around the Globe

This year’s CFP received a record-breaking 640+ submissions from both domestic and international researchers, marking an all-time high for the conference. This historic surge is driven by the rapid proliferation and evolution of AI, which has created unprecedented new attack surfaces, including autonomous AI agents, GPU data centers, and dedicated processing chips. Security challenges surrounding AI technologies have captured intense interest from researchers and cybersecurity professionals worldwide. The unprecedented volume of CFP submissions for CODE BLUE 2026 directly reflects this growing global urgency to investigate AI-related threats, establish robust defense mechanisms, and navigate this historic paradigm shift in the cybersecurity landscape.

■ Key Highlights of the CODE BLUE 2026 Program

●Security of the AI Ecosystem (Infrastructure, Agents, and Chips) 

With the explosive expansion of AI infrastructure, this year's program comprehensively addresses the security threats of the AI era. Sessions will delve into security challenges in GPU data centers, risk vectors associated with autonomous AI agent specifications, and physical-layer vulnerabilities in dedicated AI processors embedded in smartphones.

●The Security Boundaries of Infrastructure and Consumer Devices

Technical deep dives will expose critical vulnerabilities inherent in products vital to daily life and economic activities. Presenters will deliver detailed technical analyses of security flaws found in widely used messaging services like "LINE," as well as mainstream web browsers such as Firefox.

●Analysis of State-Sponsored Threats (APTs) and Cyber Espionage Speakers will reveal real-world case studies of geopolitically charged, state-sponsored threats. This includes in-depth coverage of threat actors operating primarily in East Asia, as well as cyber operations targeting civil movements in Iran.

●The Intersection of Technology, Governance, and International Law

Presentations will address critical issues arising at the intersection of technological advancement and national policy. Key presentations will explore the challenges of establishing international governance frameworks for mega-constellations (such as Starlink) operating in outer space.

■ Accepted Talks (27 Sessions): Titles & Speakers

●Technical

・In Origin We Trust: Breaking Chromium from Its Privileged Side（Orange Tsai）

・Shade Core: Bringing UEFI Attacks Back to Hypervisor-Protected Modern PCs（Kazuki Matsuo）

・TBD（Yuhang Wu / Leo Lin）

・AI vs. AI: AI-Assisted Research into a Privilege Escalation Bug in the Google Pixel AI Coprocessor（Yu Poh Kang ）

・ [Pwn2Own Berlin 2026 $20,000] Agent2Shell: Your AI Coding Agent Already Ran the Attacker's Code（Satoki Tsuji）

・Pass-the-Device: Transplanting SASE/VPN Trust After Endpoint Compromise（Ruslan Sayfiev）

・ChatMate: Remote Prompt Execution on AI Assistants through Sandbox Escaping（Ori Lahav）

・Too Close to the Metal: Attacking GPU Neo-Clouds from the Inside and Out（Michael Katchinskiy / Yakir Kadkoda）

・Five Years of GitHub Monitoring: Unveiling the Lifecycle of Malicious and For-Sale PoCs（Ryosuke Yoshimura）

●General

・Physical Intrusion of Major Plants and Business Risk Assessment using CPSF: Countering Hybrid Physical-Cyber Attacks（Daisuke Ota）

・Quality Assurance for Incident Response in the AI Era（Shusei Tomonaga / Yuki Yano）

・When the Spectrum Becomes the Battlefield: Defending Municipal IoT Under Jamming（Pavlo Chernikov）

・Echoes of Ransomware: Uncovering a Cyber Blast Radius（Ivan Kalabashkin）

・Pwning Agentic Browsers with PleaseFix: A New Vulnerability Class for 0-Click Takeover（Stav Cohen / Michael Bargury）

・The Evolution of Adversarial AI: Tales from the Frontlines of Threat Intelligence（Daniel Kapellmann Zafra）

●Counter Cyber Crime

・From the Rebellious Cities: How Iranian APTs spy on their own people（Eliad Kimhy）

・Operation ShadowCommit - Hidden Ops on Github（Jun Hyeong Lee / Daehoo Lee）

●Law and Policy

・Salt Typhoon's Shadow: Japan and the Staging Grounds Next Door（Christopher Braccia）

・The Code IS the Law: Private Norm-Making in the Cybersecurity Governance of Outer Space（Joanna Kulesza）

●U25（Youth Track）

・No Context, No Consent: A Systematic Analysis of LNA Bypasses in Firefox’s Internal Request Paths（Rintaro Kawasugi）

・Out of LINE: QR Code to Wormable RCE in LINE Client（Flydragon）

●Bluebox（Showcasing Open Source Tools and Projects）

・Antigent: An Autonomous Counter-Agent Against Agentic AI Attacker（Hiroaki Toyota）

・Turncoat: From Coding Agent to C2 Agent（Michael Telloyan）

・vwhois: A Practical WHOIS Parser Conquering the Wilderness of All TLDs（Daiki Hada）

・Static Analysis for AI Applications: From Taint Tracking to Exploit Generation（Alisha Gupta）

・One Harness, Three Security Agents: Recursive Language Models in Practice（Syue Siang Su）

・AgentShield: Stopping a Rogue AI Agent in the Linux Kernel（Weixiao JI / Qingzhe Jiang / Leandro Li）

*Please note that presentations are subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, the Japanese translations of presentation titles and speaker names are provisional and subject to change.

■CODE BLUE 2026 Event Overview

[Training]

Date: November 11 (Wed) – November 15 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Bellesalle Shinjuku Grand Conference Center

　　　(5th Floor, Sumitomo Realty Shinjuku Grand Tower)

*Dates and participation fees vary by training session. Please check the official website for details.

(Japanese) https://codeblue.jp/program/trainings/

(English) https://codeblue.jp/en/program/trainings/

[Conference]

Date and Time: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Venue: Bellesalle Takadanobaba

　　　(Sumitomo Realty Shinjuku Garden Tower, B2 & 1F)

Languages: Simultaneous interpretation in Japanese and English (except for some presentations)

Format: In-person event

Participation Fee:

1. Conference Ticket

(Includes access to all areas, participation in the networking party, and early access to archived videos)

Regular Price: 98,000 yen (tax included): June 1 (Mon) – November 10 (Tue)

On-site: 128,000 yen (tax included): Tuesday, November 17 – Wednesday, November 18 (purchased at the venue on the day of the event)

2. Visitor Ticket

(Restricted access to certain areas; does not include participation in the networking party; does not include early access to archived videos)

Regular: 28,000 yen (tax included): June 1 (Mon) – November 10 (Tue)

On-site: 32,000 yen (tax included): Tuesday, November 17 – Wednesday, November 18, at the venue

Pre-registration: Please register via the “Registration” page on the official website.

(Japanese)　　 https://codeblue.jp/registration/

(English)　　　 https://codeblue.jp/en/registration/

(For the press) https://codeblue.jp/press-registration/

Website: https://codeblue.jp/

Social Media: [X (formerly Twitter)] https://x.com/codeblue_jp

　　　　 　 [Facebook] https://facebook.com/codeblue.jp

　　　　 　 [LinkedIn] https://www.linkedin.com/company/codeblue-jp

Organizer: CODE BLUE Executive Committee

Organized by: CODE BLUE Secretariat (Zesuroku Co., Ltd.)

■ Sponsorship Opportunities

CODE BLUE 2026 is currently seeking corporate sponsors. We will send you a sponsorship brochure, so please feel free to contact us.

[CODE BLUE Sponsor Inquiry Form]

https://forms.gle/e1QJ6WTjBLVf9ycg8

At the venue, visitors can enjoy carefully selected local fried chicken from three regions, as well as rare canned highballs that are hard to find in supermarkets or convenience stores. The stage will feature live performances by Oita’s local mascot, singer-songwriters, and comedy and rakugo clubs from various universities, all helping to liven up the atmosphere.This is an event where you can fully enjoy highballs and karaage under the pleasant autumn sky.

Kara-High Garden Visual

■ Popular Local Fried Chicken on the Menu

At the venue, you can sample and compare freshly fried local fried chicken.

● Karaage Daikichi (Nakatsu, Oita)

A specialty fried chicken shop originating in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture.

The karaage, slowly marinated in a secret soy sauce-based sauce, is characterized by a crispy, aromatic exterior and a juicy interior. It is one of the leading brands representing “Nakatsu Karaage,” which is well-known nationwide.

Karaage Daikichi

● Nagoya Cochin Specialty Shop (Nagoya)

A popular restaurant serving carefully crafted chicken dishes, including fried chicken made with Nagoya Cochin chicken.

Here, you can enjoy fried chicken that highlights the chicken’s rich umami flavor and satisfying texture.

Nagoya Cochin Specialty Restaurant

● Hokkaido Zangi Kamishimaya (Hokkaido)

“Zangi” is Hokkaido’s soul food.

We offer zangi that’s slowly marinated in a secret soy sauce-based sauce, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Hokkaido Zangi Kamishimaya

■Enjoy rare canned highballs.

We’ve gathered a selection of canned highballs you won’t find at supermarkets or convenience stores.

We offer highballs from Matsui Shuzo Gomei Kaisha in Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture—which won a Gold Award at the “World Premix Awards 2026,” an international RTD (*1) competition held in the UK—as well as highballs made with “Loch Lomond Signature,” which won the Grand Gold Award and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC)2024, as well as craft highballs made by Reijin Shuzo in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture, by mixing the highball with the “brewing water” used for their sake—we’ve assembled a lineup of canned highballs that’s anything but ordinary.

*1: RTD = Ready To Drink. This refers to canned beverages such as highballs and chuhai that can be enjoyed immediately after opening.

Highball Image

■ Local snacks other than karaage are also available!

●Oita Onsenza Antenna Shop

We’ve gathered a concentrated selection of “delicious” treats from Oita and Kyushu, including Oita Prefecture’s specialties—Kabosu and Yuzu Kosho—as well as Charcoal-Grilled Kyushu Soy Sauce Chicken “Goku,” Beppu Jigoku Curry Snacks, and Salted Garlic Chive Potato Chips.

We look forward to welcoming you with a selection of souvenirs unique to the Oita hot spring region and local gourmet foods that pair perfectly with highballs.

Oita Onsen-za Antenna Shop

●Meihō Ham

We sell Meihō Ham, a representative specialty of Gifu Prefecture. Production began in Shōwa 28 with the aim of improving dietary habits in rural farming and mountain communities and promoting the village’s livestock industry. For over 30 years, the company has perfected its flavor in Meihō, Gujo City—a place of “beautiful mountains and clear waters,” as the saying goes, surrounded by stunning mountains and a tributary of the Nagara River.

Meihō Ham

● Delicacies from Yamachin

A specialty shop directly operated by the manufacturer, offering carefully selected delicacies made with Hokkaido’s fresh seafood.

We offer a wide range of products, from classic items that pair well with alcohol to popular original creations.

We sell products perfect for snacking, such as smoked “Hi-Cheese,” cheese-wrapped squid, and dried salmon.

Yamachin Delicacies

■ Stage Entertainment to Enjoy While You Drink

A packed lineup of stage performances, ranging from local mascot shows that delight both adults and children to comedy acts and acoustic live performances that everyone can enjoy together.

● Local Mascot Stage

Oita Prefecture’s unofficial mascot, “Sarumaru-kun,” will be visiting Copis.

Feel free to stop by for a photo opportunity.

Sarumaru-kun

● Yuria Acoustic Live Performance

We’re hosting an acoustic live performance by Yuria, a singer-songwriter and manager of Oita Onsen-za, who was born in Oita Prefecture and is currently based in Tokyo!

Born and raised in Oita, Yuria will perform covers of songs by artists from Oita Prefecture as well as other songs with ties to the local area, all infused with her love for her hometown.

Be sure to come to the venue and enjoy her crystal-clear vocals, which have been highly praised on YouTube and TikTok.

Yuria

■ A Comedy Stage Brought to Life by Comedy and Rakugo Clubs from Various Universities

Each day, comedy and rakugo clubs from various universities will take the stage.

Enjoy the fresh humor unique to students while experiencing the distinct charms of each club and the variations in comedy style from university to university.

● Meiji University Comedy Club “Thursday Club Z”

Focusing on manzai, skits, and solo comedy acts—and having produced many popular comedians—Meiji University’s only officially recognized comedy club makes its debut on the GREENING Plaza stage.

Meiji University Comedy Club “Thursday Club Z”

● Soka University Rakugo Research Society

A historic, officially recognized Soka University comedy club founded in 1971.

Having produced many famous comedians, they perform across a wide range of genres—including manzai, skits, and rakugo—and have a proven track record in the university comedy scene. Please enjoy their comedy.

Soka University Rakugo Research Society

● Tokai University Comedy Club “Rafuta”

A student comedy club based at Tokai University.

They perform manzai and skits on a wide variety of stages.

Tokai University Comedy Club “Rafuta”

●Toyo University Rakugo Society

An official rakugo society at Toyo University.

They liven up the stage with a wide range of comedy genres, including not only rakugo but also manzai, skits, and ogi.

Toyo University Rakugo Society

● Sanno University Comedy Club “Itadaki”

The only comedy club at Sanno University, based at the Jiyugaoka Campus.

Sanno University Comedy Club “Itadaki”

■ Performance Schedule

<September 20 (Sun)>

12:00 PM– Singer-songwriter “Yuria” – Live Music Performance

1:30 PM– Meiji University Comedy Club “Thursday Club Z” Comedy Show

2:30 PM– Soka University Rakugo Club: Comedy Show

3:30 PM– Singer-songwriter “Yuria” – Live Music Performance

4:30 PM– Meiji University Comedy Club “Thursday Club Z” – Comedy Show

5:00 PM– Vendor Talk Show: Introduction of Vendors

5:30 PM– Soka University Rakugo Club: Comedy Show

<September 21 (Mon., Holiday)>

12:00 p.m. – Singer-songwriter “Yuria” – Live Music Performance

1:30 PM– Local Mascots & Vendor Talk Show: Local Mascot Stage & Vendor Introductions

2:30 PM– Tokai University Comedy Club “Rafuta” Comedy Show

3:30 PM– Singer-songwriter “Yuria” – Music Performance

4:30 PM– Local Mascot & Vendor Talk Show: Local Mascot Stage & Vendor Introductions

5:00 PM– Vendor Talk Show | Vendor Introductions

5:30 PM– Tokai University Comedy Club “Rafuta” Comedy Show

<September 22 (Tue, Holiday)>

12:00 PM– Singer-songwriter “Yuria” Live Music Performance

1:30 PM– Sanno University Comedy Club “Itadaki” Comedy Show

2:30 PM– Toyo University Rakugo Club: Comedy Live Performance

3:30 PM– Singer-songwriter “Yuria” – Music Performance

4:30 PM– Sangyo Noritsu University Comedy Club “Itadaki” Comedy Show

5:00 PM– Vendor Talk Show: Vendor Introductions

5:30 PM– Toyo University Rakugo Society: Comedy Show

◆Event Overview

● “Kara-Hai Garden”

・Dates: September 20 (Sun) – 22 (Tue, Holiday), 2026

・Hours: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (Last order for food at 6:30 p.m. / Last order for drinks at 6:45 p.m.)

・Venue: GREENING Plaza, 3rd Floor, Copis Kichijoji Building A

・Admission: Free

・Organizer: Copis Kichijoji

*Please check the Copis Kichijoji website (https://www.coppice.jp/newsandevent/coppice/30133) for event details.

*Please note that the products and menu items scheduled for sale are subject to change.

*The event will take place rain or shine, but will be canceled in case of severe weather.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only.

*Underage drinking and driving under the influence—including while riding a bicycle—are prohibited by law. Please enjoy responsibly.

*The event is subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.

■ Copis Kichijoji Facility Overview

Based on the concept of “Let’s GREENING.” (GREENING = restoring vitality and freshness to return to your natural self), Coppice Kichijoji offers ideas designed to spread a rich lifestyle from the town of Kichijoji.

(1) Facility Name: Coppice Kichijoji

(2) Address: 1-11-5 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0004

(3) Access: 2-minute walk from the North Exit of Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines

　　　　　　　 2-minute walk from Kichijoji Station on the Keio Inokashira Line

(4) Building Overview: Total Floor Area: Approx. 46,000 m² / Building Specifications: Building A: 1 basement level and 7 above-ground floors;

　　　　　　　 Building B: 1 basement level, 9 stories above ground

(5) Parking: 100 spaces

(6) Website: https://www.coppice.jp/

Access Map

Exterior View of Copis Kichijoji

Building A, 3rd Floor: GREENING Plaza

SUNNY PARADE

The group is produced by Rui Takanashi, a former member of the idol group “#Babababambi” and a huge idol fan herself. The seven members were selected from over 2,800 applicants based not only on their singing and dancing experience but also on whether they were “willing to stake their lives on becoming an idol.”

As a result, six of the seven members have no prior experience as idols.The group brings together seven members of varying ages and backgrounds: a former NMB48 member with experience in the group’s main lineup; a 14-year-old making her debut in the entertainment industry; a 16-year-old who studied K-POP in South Korea for three years; a current college student; a current high school student; an actress with 12 years of experience; and the oldest member, a 22-year-old who took the plunge to pursue her dream.Their average age is 17.9 years old (as of September 1, 2026).

They are not a group of seven who are already “complete,” but rather seven who will continue to grow and develop. We aim to be “growth-oriented live idols” who, together with our fans, enjoy witnessing their growth firsthand and make the “parade” bigger with every live performance.

■SUNNY PARADE

Official Name: SUNNY PARADE

Pronunciation: Sunny Parade

Nickname: 328 (Sunipa)

Number of Members: 7

Debut: Scheduled for November 2026

X (Official)　　　　: https://x.com/328sunny_parade

Instagram (Official): https://www.instagram.com/328sunny_parade

■ Concept | “Idols Who Brighten Your Heart”

“SUNNY” embodies sunshine, brightness, and positivity, while “PARADE” signifies that we don’t just move forward on our own—we involve our fans and move forward together, having fun. The nickname “328 (Sunipa)” is the number that symbolizes the group.

Our live performance concept is “Attend a concert, and your heart will brighten.” We aim to create shows where everyone in the venue participates in the SUNNY PARADE parade—not just as spectators.Their songs consistently incorporate “parade-like elements”—such as marching beats, brass, clapping, and call-and-response—to cultivate a distinct identity that makes it instantly recognizable as SUNNY PARADE the moment you hear or see them.

■ Member Lineup

* The order listed here reflects the members’ lineup on stage and does not indicate any hierarchy within the group.

Jion Kameno

SUNNY PARADE’s “Performance Leader,” who captivates audiences with her expressiveness.

She was active as a member of NMB48 for approximately four and a half years and was selected for the group’s main lineup three times.Her strengths lie in her high-level performance skills—honed through 11 years of dance experience—as well as her ability to learn choreography quickly and accurately. After graduating from NMB48, she won the Judges’ Special Award at the “High School Girl Beauty Pageant 2025.” As the only member of the seven with idol experience, she leads the group’s performances.

Date of Birth: September 2, 2007

Hometown: Hyogo Prefecture

Height: 160 cm

Member Color: Purple

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_zion

Instagram　　 ： https://www.instagram.com/328_zion/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@328_zion

Kaneon Binno

Anri Ishihara

A raw talent with a bright future! The “14-year-old all-out girl” who has always looked up to her older sister.

At 14, she is the youngest member of the group. She is starting completely from scratch in both the entertainment industry and as an idol. Her older sister is an active idol, and watching her live performances from the audience inspired her to pursue a career as an idol herself. Armed with the energy and boundless stamina typical of the youngest member, along with a willingness to take on any challenge, she is the member poised to grow the most in the future.

Date of Birth: December 19, 2011

Hometown: Tokyo

Member Color: Yellow

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_anri

Instagram　　： https://www.instagram.com/328_anri/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@328_anri

Anri Ishihara

Neo Asahina

I want to shine a light on you starting this month. A college student and idol—the “classic dual-career heroine.”

Currently a sophomore in college. Although she has no prior experience as an idol, she has about 10 years of hip-hop dance experience and about 3 years of rhythmic gymnastics experience; in rhythmic gymnastics, she competed in the Kyushu Regional Championships as a member of the select team. She also has a strong track record in languages, having scored 800 on the TOEIC, and is currently working on English rap.While balancing her studies and her idol activities, she aims to perform on stages at the Nippon Budokan and in domes.

Date of Birth: January 18, 2007

Hometown: Oita Prefecture

Height: 155 cm

Member Color: Light Blue

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_neo

Instagram　　 ： https://www.instagram.com/328_neo/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@328_neo

Neo Asahina

Sena Kiritani

A “16-year-old rising star” who returned to Japan after studying in South Korea for three years, inspired by Eikichi Yazawa.

This 16-year-old spent her three years of junior high school in South Korea, where she trained as a trainee at a local entertainment agency, receiving K-pop dance and vocal training. She has been dancing and singing for about five years and is a hard worker who says, “I practiced harder than anyone else precisely because I wasn’t good at it.” Armed with the performance skills she honed through Korean and K-pop, she is taking on the Japanese idol scene.

Date of Birth: March 25, 2010

Hometown: Tokyo

Member Color: Red

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_sena_

Instagram　　 ： https://www.instagram.com/328_sena/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@328_sena

Sena Kiritani

Alice Uta

A “serious yet clumsy diva” with a high IQ and a doll-like face.

She is a current high school student attending an academically rigorous school. While working on weekly reports of around 10,000 characters, she balances her activities as an idol. She passed the Eiken Pre-Level 2 exam in the fifth grade of elementary school and has won first and second place in national competitions in the field of materials engineering. She has been singing since she was three years old and aims to make her singing her defining strength.Her future dreams are to become an actress and a fashion magazine model.

Date of Birth: April 12, 2008

Hometown: Gunma Prefecture

Height: 155 cm

Member Color: Pink

X: https://x.com/328_alice

Instagram　　 ： https://www.instagram.com/328_alice_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@328_alice

Alice Uta

Mone Amada

A “first-year idol” with about 12 years of experience in the entertainment industry, raised in a family deeply rooted in music.

She began her entertainment career at age 6 and is a talented performer with about 12 years of experience, having appeared in movies and TV dramas as an actress and model.Raised in a musical family—her father is a professional bassist and her mother a professional vocalist—she began taking serious vocal lessons in her first year of junior high school. She also has experience as the narrator in “Keizu,” a performance where she delivers lines accompanied by an orchestra. This marks her first venture into the world of idols.

Date of Birth: April 26, 2008

Hometown: Hyogo Prefecture

Height: 161 cm

Member Color: Blue

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_mone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/328_mone/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tenda_mone

Mone Amada

Mei Hoshikawa

The oldest member! A “wild and crazy entertainer” full of surprises.

At 22, she’s the oldest member of the group. Although she has no prior experience as an idol, she has played the piano for about 10 years, the saxophone for about 6 years, and has competed in national marching band competitions. Her strengths lie in her curiosity and drive to act on ideas immediately, and the contrast between her cool exterior and her wild personality is part of her charm.Guided by the motto “You only live once,” she took the leap toward her dream at the age of 22.

Date of Birth: June 4, 2004

Hometown: Fukushima Prefecture

Height: 160 cm

Member Color: Green

X　　　　　　 : https://x.com/328_mei_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/328_mei_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hoshikawa_mei

Mei Hoshikawa

■Comments from the Producer and Members

Rui Takanashi | Producer

The seven members selected from over 2,800 applicants will now make their debut as SUNNY PARADE.

During the auditions, more than singing or dancing experience, we were looking for girls who were willing to “bet their lives on becoming idols.”

As a result, six out of the seven members have no prior idol experience. From a former NMB48 member to a current college student, a 14-year-old with absolutely no experience, a 16-year-old who studied K-POP in South Korea for three years, someone with 12 years in the entertainment industry, and a 22-year-old taking on this challenge for the first time—they’re a truly diverse group of seven.

But as a huge idol fan myself, I’ve gathered a group of members I can confidently say I want to “support.”

This is the new group Zeroichi Familia is creating—a “group you can root for from the very beginning.”

While being an idol is glamorous, it’s also a profession fraught with challenges. My dream is to support these seven members to the best of my ability—drawing on my experience as #Babababambi—and to one day return to the Nippon Budokan as a producer.

Kaneon Binno | “Sanipa’s ‘Performance Leader’ who captivates with her expressiveness.”

To those meeting me for the first time, and to those I haven’t seen in a while, I’m Kamine Binno.

I was active in NMB48 for about four and a half years, and I’m the only one in this group of seven with prior idol experience.

When I first quit being an idol, I decided, “I’m never going to be an idol again,” and planned to go to college and live as an “ordinary person.”

But when I stepped onto the stage again after a long time for a high school beauty pageant and heard the cheers, I realized, “This is what I love after all.”

In SUNNY PARADE, I want to use my past dance and idol experience to support the other six members in terms of performance and stage presence. As someone with experience, I’ll lead by example while taking on this challenge myself, starting from scratch once again.

Neo Asahina | “I want to shine a light on you more than the moon. The ‘Classic Dual-Career Heroine’—a college student and an idol”

Nice to meet you, I’m Neo Asahina!

I’m currently attending college while taking on the challenge of being an idol with SUNNY PARADE.

I used to think my ideal life was to graduate from college, get a job, and lead a stable life. But when I asked myself, “What do I really want to do?” I realized I didn’t want to give up on becoming an idol—a dream I’ve had since I was little.

I believe my desire to become an idol ranks among the top 10 in Japan.

I’ll give my all to both college and my idol career, and as my first major goal, I want to perform at the Nippon Budokan—and go even further—to make my dreams come true together with all of you who support me!

Anri Ishihara | “An Unfinished Gem! The ‘14-Year-Old All-Out Girl’ Who’s Always Looked Up to Her Older Sister.”

Nice to meet you, I’m Anri Ishihara!

At 14, I’m the youngest member of SUNNY PARADE, and this is my first time doing idol work or any entertainment activities.

My older sister is an idol, and I’ve always watched her live performances from the audience. Seeing my sister make so many people smile on stage, I began to dream that someday, “I want to be on that side, too.”

Then, when I saw the call for auditions for Rui-san’s idol project, I seriously thought, “Isn’t it my turn to stand on stage now?” and mustered up the courage to apply.

At 14, I absolutely don’t want to waste this opportunity I was able to seize from among so many applicants.

Someday, I’ll stand on a big stage and become an idol who inspires so many people to say, “I want to support her!”

Sena Kiritani | “A ‘16-year-old supernova’ who returned to Japan after studying in South Korea for three years, inspired by Eikichi Yazawa.”

Nice to meet you, I’m Sena Kiritani!

I spent my three years of junior high school in South Korea studying K-POP, taking singing and dance lessons there.

I wasn’t very good at dancing at first, but after practicing hard for three years, I’m now able to perform with confidence.

Although I studied in Korea, my idol is actually Eikichi Yazawa—thanks to my father’s influence.

By combining the performance skills I acquired in South Korea with the “cuteness” typical of Japanese idols, I aim to become an idol with a style that’s uniquely my own. I’d also love for you to pay attention to my powerful voice!

Alice Uta | “A high IQ and a doll-like face—the ‘serious yet clumsy diva’”

Nice to meet you, I’m Alice Uda!

Since I grew up in a family that wasn’t exactly well-off, I told myself, “I’ll at least study hard for my future.” I earned the Eiken Pre-Level 2 certification in fifth grade, and even now, I’m struggling through high school by writing reports of about 10,000 characters every week.

But ever since I was born, my dream has always been to be in the entertainment industry.

Studying gives me peace of mind about my future. But the dream I’m willing to stake my life on is becoming an idol.

I’ve loved singing ever since I was about three years old, so someday I want to be able to say with pride, “Singing is my strength,” and give everyone goosebumps with my singing at live shows!

And my biggest dream is to be incredibly successful and support my family.

I have a doll-like appearance, but on the inside, I’m a self-proclaimed “neighborhood auntie” (haha). As the “pink” member of SUNNY PARADE, I’ll become an idol who can bring warm, sunny smiles to everyone’s faces!

Momone Amada | “A ‘first-year idol’ with about 12 years of experience, raised in a super-musical family.”

Nice to meet you, I’m Momone Amada!

I started my entertainment career at age 6 and have mainly worked as an actress up until now.

I grew up in a musical family—my father is a professional bassist and my mother is a professional vocalist—and I’ve been in the entertainment industry for about 12 years myself. But this is my very first time as an idol!

Up until now, I’ve mostly worked on my own, so creating a stage with seven people and chasing the same dream is a new challenge for me.

“12 years in the entertainment industry, first-year idol.”

I want to draw on my past experiences to show a side of Momone Amada that’s different from anything I’ve done before with SUNNY PARADE!

Mei Hoshikawa | “The oldest member! A ‘wild and crazy entertainer’ full of surprises.”

Nice to meet you, I’m Mei Hoshikawa!!

I’m the oldest member of SUNNY PARADE at 22 years old. And I started from scratch with absolutely no experience in singing or dancing!

To be honest, I was really torn about taking on the challenge of becoming an idol.

But I didn’t want to give up just because of my age or lack of experience.

Since “you only live once,” I chose to take on this challenge rather than regret not trying.

I’d be thrilled if you’d follow along to see just how far I can grow, starting from absolutely zero experience!

I hope that seeing me take on this challenge will inspire others and show them, through my own journey, that it’s never too late to start something new.

■ Upcoming Schedule

September 1, 2026 (Tue) 7:00 PM Group launch and announcement of the 7 members

Late September 2026 Announcement of debut concert details

Around November 2026 Debut concert scheduled

■Company Overview

Company Name: Zeroichi Familia Co., Ltd.

Representative: Kotaro Inomata, Representative Director

Address: 2F Stork Shinjuku Bldg., 6-12-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023

Business Activities: Management and production of idols, models, actors, and entertainers

URL: https://official.01familia.jp/

The type and severity of symptoms, as well as the duration of treatment, vary from patient to patient. Among the cases we have been able to follow, we have observed changes not only in physical symptoms but also in aspects of daily life, including waking, sleeping, going out, studying, and attending school.

In this release, we introduce the approximately one-and-a-half-year clinical course of one patient whose case is being shared with the permission of both the patient and her guardian. We also present our clinical approach to autonomic nervous system–related symptoms in adolescents.

Observing Changes in the Patient’s Physical Condition and Movement Before and After Treatment

■ Orthostatic Dysregulation Is Estimated to Affect Approximately 10% of Middle School Students

Orthostatic dysregulation (OD) is a condition that commonly develops during adolescence. Symptoms may include lightheadedness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, and the condition involves dysfunction in autonomic regulation of the circulatory system, including blood pressure and heart rate.

According to the Japanese Society of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine, the prevalence of OD, including mild cases, is estimated at approximately 10% among middle school students. OD is also reported to be present in approximately 30–40% of children experiencing school refusal.

Because symptoms tend to be more severe in the morning, OD can significantly affect school life, contributing to difficulty getting up in the morning, tardiness, and absence from school.

Difficulty waking in the morning may sometimes be perceived by others as “laziness” or a lack of “motivation.” However, physical factors may underlie these difficulties, making understanding and support from family members, schools, and others around the child important.

■ Eight Middle and High School Students Treated Since 2024

Since 2024, Sawada Acupuncture Clinic has provided acupuncture treatment to eight middle and high school students—including patients diagnosed with orthostatic dysregulation—who presented with symptoms or difficulties such as:

Difficulty getting out of bed in the morningPersistent headachesSevere fatigueDifficulty sleeping at night and disrupted sleep patternsDizziness or unsteadinessDifficulty concentrating on reading or studyingDifficulty attending school

At our clinic, we do not assess a patient’s condition based solely on a single symptom such as a headache or difficulty getting up in the morning. We observe each patient’s physical condition, provide treatment accordingly, and continuously monitor their progress.

We also look at changes in daily life, including:

・What time the patient is able to wake up

・Whether the patient is sleeping well at night

・Whether the patient is able to attend school

・Whether the patient is able to read and study

・Whether the patient is able to go out independently

・Whether the patient has resumed hobbies, exercise, or other activities they previously enjoyed

We place importance not only on changes in symptoms but also on how the patient’s daily life changes over time.

Treatment duration and follow-up periods varied among the eight cases, and some patients discontinued treatment. Therefore, long-term outcomes have not been confirmed for all eight patients.

However, among the cases we have been able to follow, changes in physical symptoms and aspects of daily life have been observed.

Acupuncture Treatment While Monitoring the Patient’s Physical Condition

■ A Third-Year Middle School Student Who Had Difficulty Attending School — Approximately 18 Months of Follow-Up

One case involved a female patient who first visited our clinic during her third year of middle school. Permission to publish this case has been obtained from both the patient and her guardian.

At her initial visit, she had severe difficulty waking up in the morning and experienced multiple physical symptoms, including severe headaches. She was almost completely unable to attend school.

Her headaches sometimes continued for long periods from the morning, and she also had difficulty getting sufficient sleep at night, significantly disrupting her daily rhythm.

During particularly difficult periods, she reported that even when she tried to read, she could not absorb the content. Reading text and composing sentences on her own had also become difficult.

She also experienced multiple symptoms, including palpitations, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, nausea, and fatigue. Her daily activities were significantly restricted, and she felt anxious about riding a train alone.

Among her complaints were frequent and prolonged episodes of what the patient and her family described as “burp-like symptoms.”

This term does not refer to a diagnosis made by a medical institution; it is simply the way the patient and her family described the symptom.

The First Change That Surprised Her Family

When treatment began, one of the first changes that surprised her family involved these “burp-like symptoms.”

After the first treatment, the symptoms, which had previously occurred frequently, temporarily ceased.

They occasionally returned depending on her physical condition or daily activities, but over time they generally became less frequent.

As treatment continued and we monitored her condition, gradual changes were also observed in her headaches, ability to fall asleep, and ability to wake up.

At our clinic, we do not draw conclusions based solely on an immediate change in a single symptom. We continue to monitor how the patient’s daily life changes over time.

From Waking at Around 3:00 p.m. to Around 8:00 a.m.

Over approximately one and a half years of follow-up, changes were observed in several aspects of her daily life.

Previously, she had difficulty sleeping at night and waking in the morning, and on some days she was unable to get up until around 3:00 p.m. She is now able to wake at around 8:00 a.m.

She is also able to fall asleep more easily than before. Her headaches have decreased compared with the past, although they still occur occasionally. The patient and her family report that getting sufficient sleep often helps them subside.

Her ability to read and write has also changed. She can now read passages, write independently, and engage in studying and reading that she enjoys.

She is also able to ride a train alone, something she previously felt too anxious to do, and now commutes independently by train to a school that suits her needs.

Previously, going up and down stairs without holding a handrail was difficult. She is now able to use the stairs without a handrail.

She has also resumed activities such as walking and her hobbies.

The patient and her family have told us that she has become much more energetic than before and that her natural smile and motivation have returned.

Her condition still fluctuates from day to day, and “burp-like symptoms” may reappear when she overexerts herself. However, compared with the time of her initial visit, the range of daily activities she is able to manage—including sleeping, waking, studying, going out, and commuting to school—has expanded considerably.

This case is published with the permission of the patient and her guardian.

This is the clinical course of a single case and does not indicate that all patients will experience the same outcome.

■ Looking Beyond Whether Symptoms Have Disappeared to How Daily Life Has Changed

At Sawada Acupuncture Clinic, we focus on more than the presence or absence of symptoms.

In addition to assessing physical condition before and after treatment, we monitor whether changes are reflected in daily life over time, such as:

・Being able to get up in the morning

・Being able to sleep at night

・Being able to read

・Being able to study

・Being able to go out independently

・Being able to attend school

・Being able to resume activities the patient previously enjoyed

We consider these changes in daily life an important part of following each patient’s clinical course.

Changes in Neck Range of Motion Before and After Treatment

■ Comment from Clinic Director Yuki Sawada

Clinic Director Yuki Sawada commented:

“When a child has difficulty getting up in the morning or attending school for a prolonged period, it can be an extremely difficult time not only for the child but also for the family.

What I value in clinical practice is not looking at the patient solely through the name of a diagnosis. I carefully observe each patient’s physical condition, assess changes before and after treatment, and continue to follow their progress.

Immediate physical changes are important, but I believe what ultimately matters is how the patient’s daily life changes.

Being able to get up in the morning, read again, ride the train independently, or attend school—when a patient gradually regains the ability to do things that were previously difficult, their expression and daily life can also begin to change.

Being able to follow that process together with the patient and her family is deeply meaningful to me as a clinician.

I am still learning every day. I will continue to carefully observe each individual patient and place importance on the changes we can actually confirm in clinical practice.”

■ Respecting Medical Diagnosis and Treatment While Providing Acupuncture Care

If orthostatic dysregulation is suspected, it is important to consult an appropriate medical professional, such as a pediatrician, and receive a proper medical evaluation and diagnosis.

Sawada Acupuncture Clinic does not view Western medical care and acupuncture as opposing approaches.

We respect diagnoses and treatment plans provided by medical institutions while continuing to observe each patient’s physical condition and providing acupuncture treatment tailored to the individual.

When we believe further medical evaluation is necessary, we also consider it important to recommend consultation with an appropriate medical institution.

■ An Acupuncture Clinic Focused on the Autonomic Nervous System and Observable Changes in Clinical Practice

Sawada Acupuncture Clinic was established in 2017 and currently provides treatment at its Kashiwara Main Clinic and Namba Branch in Osaka.

In September 2025, the clinic issued a press release through @Press introducing its treatment philosophy, which places importance on observing the state of the autonomic nervous system.

This latest release goes a step further by presenting clinical observations involving middle and high school students with orthostatic dysregulation, difficulty waking in the morning, headaches, and related concerns, with a focus on both physical changes and changes in daily life.

Rather than focusing only on the name of a symptom or condition, we observe the patient’s body, provide treatment, and continue to monitor subsequent changes.

We also follow whether those changes are reflected in the patient’s daily life.

Sawada Acupuncture Clinic will continue to build on its clinical experience and share information about a range of health concerns related to the autonomic nervous system.

■ Facility Overview

Name: Sawada Acupuncture ClinicDirector: Yuki SawadaEstablished: 2017

Kashiwara Main Clinic102 Honmachi Garden Heights3-8-11 Kokubun Honmachi, Kashiwara, Osaka, Japan

Namba Branch901 Ookini Dotonbori Building2-4-21 Takatsu, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan

Website: shinkyu-sawada.com

Instagram: @shinkyu.sawada

Phone: +81-72-942-7011

Email: shinkyu.sawada@gmail.com

Location and other information are current as of the date of publication.

■ Reference Materials

Japanese Society of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine

“Orthostatic Dysregulation”

The Society reports that the prevalence of orthostatic dysregulation, including mild cases, is approximately 10% among middle school students and that OD is present in approximately 30–40% of children experiencing school refusal.

Verified: August 31, 2026

Japanese Society of Pediatric Psychosomatic MedicineClinical Guidelines for Pediatric Orthostatic Dysregulation, Revised 3rd EditionPublished in the Society’s journal, Vol. 32, No. 1, May 2023.

During this event, the store managers at each of the 17 locations will serve unique, limited-edition ramen dishes they have created, inspired by regional ramen from across the country.

Spanning approximately two months, this limited-time event lets you enjoy the feeling of taking a journey across Japan—from Hokkaido to Kyushu—through ramen.

Grand Limited-Edition Ramen Festival

■ 17 unique limited-edition ramen dishes from 17 stores, each packed with the store managers’ personalities and creativity

The theme for this event is “Regional Ramen.”

Drawing inspiration from the ramen beloved in their respective regions, each store manager has crafted a bowl that’s uniquely O-Fas.

For example, a variety of limited-edition ramen inspired by regions across the country will be available, including Sapporo Miso Ramen, known for its rich flavor; Morioka Jajamen, themed after Iwate’s local cuisine; and Nagoya’s Taiwan Ramen, with its addictive, lingering spiciness.

“Which regional ramen should I try next?”

With that sense of excitement, you can enjoy the store managers’ signature bowls—creations you won’t find anywhere else.

■ The More You Eat, the More Fun It Is! Win Great Prizes with the Stamp Rally

During the event period, we’re also holding a “stamp rally” where you can collect store stamps by eating the limited-edition noodle dishes.

You’ll receive a prize for every stamp you collect. You can start earning prizes after collecting stamps from three stores, and those who make a purchase of 1,000 yen or more at Ogawa Kitchen (a retail shop selling homemade ingredients like char siu) and collect all 18 stamps will receive an original T-shirt as the “Complete” prize.

*Please use the flyers provided in the store as stamp sheets.

　There are no digital stamps.

[Stamp Rally Prizes]

3 stamps　　　　　　： Coupon for 5 free gyoza

6 stamps　　　　　　　　: Ballpoint pen with logo

9 stamps　　　　　　　　: Original mug

12 stamps　　　　　　： Aluminum bottle with logo

15 stamps: Free coupon for any noodle dish

Collect 18 stamps: Original T-shirt

Collect stamps while enjoying our limited-edition noodle dishes and aim to “Conquer the Nation’s Ramen,” as if you were traveling across the country.

■ A bowl you can only taste here—created exclusively by the store manager

The “Store Manager’s Special Limited-Edition Ramen Festival” is more than just a limited-menu event.

It’s an event where store managers—who interact with customers every day—present bowls they’ve personally devised and perfected through trial and error.

One of the unique charms of this event is that, even though all the ramen shops belong to the same company, you can enjoy the distinct personalities and creative ideas unique to each location.

This fall, be sure to tour the ramen shops of Ofas Co., Ltd. and enjoy 17 different “local specialty bowls” created by 17 store managers.

[Event Overview]

Event Name: Store Managers’ Grand Limited-Edition Ramen Festival ~Local Ramen Edition~

Event Dates: September 15, 2026 (Tue) – November 17, 2026 (Tue)

Details

Store managers at the 17 participating locations will serve limited-edition ramen inspired by regional ramen from across Japan.

A stamp rally will also be held: when you order a limited-edition ramen, you can collect store stamps, and prizes will be awarded based on the number of stamps collected.

Ogawa Kitchen Shopping Period: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – Monday, November 30, 2026

You can earn the final stamp by making a purchase of 1,000 yen or more (including tax) at Ogawa Kitchen, which sells homemade ingredients such as char siu and seasoned eggs.

[About O-Fas Co., Ltd.]

Ofas Co., Ltd. operates 18 ramen restaurants primarily in Tokyo and Kanagawa.

We operate four brands—“Ogawa Ramen Specialty Shop,” “Ogawaya,” “Ogawa-ryu,” and “Maru ni Tachibana”—and deliver the joy of dining to our customers through ramen that offers distinct flavors and personalities.

We will continue to offer a variety of products and events so that customers can experience new discoveries and enjoyment through ramen.

Official Website: https://www.ra-menogawa.com/

Event Details Page: https://www.ra-menogawa.com/foruser/gentei.html

[Company Overview]

Company Name: O-Fas Co., Ltd.

Executive: Takashi Ogawa, President and CEO

Headquarters Address: 4409 Koyama-cho, Machida City, Tokyo

Headquarters: 2nd Floor, 1158-4 Aihara-cho, Machida City, Tokyo

Established: April 2001

Capital: 10,000,000 yen (as of February 2023)

Business Activities: Restaurant Management

Group Companies: Ogawa Seimen Co., Ltd.

　　　　　　　　　 Kitchen Works Co., Ltd.

　　　　　　　　　 Future of Food Service, Inc.

　　　　　　　　　 Mirai Equipment Sales Co., Ltd.

　　　　　　　　　 Y'S DANCE STUDIO, Ltd.

KitchenCar BuyBye Homepage

<Service Overview>

▼Service Name

KitchenCar BuyBye

▼Service Details

A trading platform that connects “sellers” and “buyers” of food trucks, focusing on private sales between individuals

▼Service Page

https://kitchencarbuybye.net

CaterBank Co., Ltd.

<The Need for a Secondary Market Network Dedicated to Food Trucks>

(1) Difficult to Handle in the General Used Vehicle Market

Due to their specialized construction and the lack of established market prices, food trucks are difficult to deal with in the general used vehicle market. Furthermore, in addition to standard vehicle information, specific details unique to food trucks are essential when purchasing them.

Given these circumstances, we believe a specialized market environment is necessary for the “buying and selling of food trucks.”

(2) As the number of new business owners increases, so does the number of those closing their businesses, leading to a growing number of idle food trucks

As “food trucks” have gained public recognition in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and due to the rise of “business startup brokers” focused on vehicle sales, the number of food truck operators continues to grow year after year. However, the number of operators closing their businesses is also increasing proportionally. Consequently, the number of idle food trucks that are no longer in use is rising, and we believe a dedicated distribution channel is essential.

(3) The need to start a business with low startup costs

There is a common perception that “food trucks can be started with minimal capital.”

While our company has long been involved in the manufacture and sale of food trucks, we frequently receive requests from customers who wish to “start a business with even less capital.” To meet this primary demand—starting a business with minimal capital—we believe that “peer-to-peer sales,” which are both “safe” and minimize intermediary costs, are essential.

<Issues in the Used Food Truck Market and the Solutions Our Service Provides>

While private sales of “cars” in general present challenges, these issues become even more pronounced when it comes to “food trucks.” Our service focuses not only on the sale of the vehicle itself but also on “issues unique to food trucks” to ensure safe transactions.

(1) Vehicle sales involve high prices and a time lag before the transaction is finalized

The two most serious issues in peer-to-peer vehicle sales are: “I paid the money but cannot transfer ownership properly” and “I transferred ownership but was not paid.”

This stems from the need for the parties involved to decide whether “payment comes first or the handover of the vehicle (and transfer documents) comes first,” and whichever option is chosen, one of the parties will bear the risk.

These issues arise from the time lag between payment and title transfer (completion of the transaction), which is a characteristic of car transactions.

▼Solution

Our service utilizes an escrow system, in which we act as a third party to hold the sale proceeds. After the transaction is successfully completed, we pay the seller, thereby eliminating the greatest risk associated with private vehicle transactions.

(2) Elimination of Fictitious Inventory

While many “kitchen cars” are listed on general used car marketplaces and auction sites, there are actually quite a few cases where these are merely promotional listings featuring fictitious inventory designed to steer buyers toward purchasing a newly built vehicle.

▼Solution

Our service does not allow unrestricted listings; instead, all listings are reviewed by our operations team before being published.

To verify the existence of the vehicle, we require the submission of the vehicle registration certificate and also verify the seller’s identification, thereby eliminating listings for fictitious vehicles or vehicles registered under someone else’s name.

(3) Reliable Support System

When buying or selling food trucks privately, it’s often a first-time experience not only for buyers but also for sellers.

★Buyer Concerns

・Which food truck is best suited for my intended business?

・Does it comply with business licensing requirements (Food Sanitation Act)?

・Uncertainty about the procedures and process after purchase

★Seller’s Concerns

• What is the process for selling the vehicle?

・What documents are required to transfer the vehicle’s registration?

In addition to vehicle-related matters, food trucks are subject to the “Food Sanitation Act,” and if this is overlooked, it’s possible that even after purchasing a food truck, you might “be unable to obtain a business license and therefore unable to open for business.”

▼ Solutions

Our service has established a consultation desk (via official LINE) staffed by expert consultants with many years of experience in the food truck industry. They provide guidance on “vehicle ownership transfer procedures,” “business permits under the Food Sanitation Act,” and “important considerations when purchasing a food truck,” creating a environment where you can purchase a food truck with greater peace of mind.

https://lin.ee/y4cr4vp

<Revisiting Food Truck Builders>

Traditionally, food truck construction was the work of skilled craftsmen, and there were only a handful of “food truck manufacturers and sellers.”

However, around 2020, modular food truck kits began to appear on the market. Since these allowed anyone to build something resembling a food truck without specialized technical skills, many “food truck sellers” emerged.

However, these vehicles often have issues with structural strength and safety, and the reality is that the “overall quality of food trucks” in our industry has significantly declined.

This situation has arisen because “craftsmanship” and “IT literacy” are often at odds, making it difficult for businesses that traditionally manufactured and sold high-quality food trucks to stand out online.

Our service allows listings not only from “private sellers” but also from so-called “food truck builders.”

We believe that by creating a platform where businesses that traditionally manufactured high-quality food trucks can once again be seen by buyers, we can put a stop to the decline in the quality of food trucks and promote the distribution of sturdy, safe food trucks.

<Comment from Satohito Matsumoto, Representative Director>

Food Trucks

The number of food truck operators has been increasing year by year.

However, the current reality is that most operations take the form of “event catering” held at venues where people gather for other purposes. For the food truck industry to take the next leap forward, one key theme is the “emergence of famous food truck establishments”—in other words, food trucks themselves generating their own buzz.

To achieve this, we need even more aspiring food truck owners, and the key to supporting them through our services lies in “how effectively we can reduce the risks associated with starting a business.”

Our company has long offered a “rental startup service” as one solution, but due to vehicle management and other factors, it has been somewhat difficult to expand this service nationwide in a way that is highly convenient for users.

We believe that “KitchenCar BuyBye,” which we have just launched, will serve as a clear secondary distribution network for food trucks in the industry. Even for those in regions where our rental startup service is not available, purchasing a food truck through this platform will provide a risk hedge in the unlikely event they have to close their business, and we believe this will further contribute to making food truck startups less risky nationwide.

■Company Overview

Company Name: CaterBank Co., Ltd.

Representative: Satoshi Matsumoto, Representative Director

Address: 1st Floor, 4-32-14 Shimoigusa, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0022

Established: November 2012

Business Activities: Manufacturing, sales, and rental of food trucks; management of food truck operations, etc.

Capital: 3 million yen

URL: https://caterbank.co.jp

The BCON6000 is a newly developed pattern inspection system that features completely redesigned hardware based on the printing quality inspection technology the company has cultivated over many years. In addition to the company’s proprietary scoring system—which has proven its effectiveness in the previous model, the BCON5000—it offers higher precision in defect size assessment and supports quantitative defect analysis and quality evaluation.

Furthermore, by incorporating a proprietary high-speed image processing board, a CoaXPress interface, and a 3-CMOS color line-scan camera, the system achieves high-speed, high-precision image inspection. Additionally, the pattern-matching function—which features significantly improved accuracy and tracking speed—reduces synchronization errors caused by product stretching or meandering, enabling stable print quality inspection.

Nireco’s BCON series of print quality inspection systems is used in a wide range of printing-related fields, including flexible packaging, seal and label printing, paper packaging, hygiene product printing, and bag printing.The previous model, the BCON5000, has sold approximately 220 units between 2015 and 2026, supporting print quality control across a wide range of production sites.

The newly released BCON6000, as the successor to the previous model, incorporates the latest image processing platform to improve inspection performance and installation flexibility. In recent years, as demands for print quality have become increasingly stringent, there has been a growing need for defect visualization, quantitative assessment of inspection results, and flexible implementation tailored to specific equipment conditions.To meet these market needs, we are launching the BCON6000—a new model that offers improved image uniformity and reproducibility, defect detection, and synchronization stability—and aim to sell a cumulative total of 100 units over the next three years.

The BCON6000 achieves high image uniformity and reproducibility by combining a 3CMOS color line-scan camera with lens aberration correction technology. Additionally, it supports cable lengths of up to 70 meters*1 from the control panel to the camera, enabling flexible installation to suit equipment layouts and production line conditions.

Furthermore, its high-precision pattern-matching function reduces synchronization errors caused by product expansion, contraction, or meandering. This enables more stable inspection than ever before, helping to suppress false detections and improve the reliability of inspection results.In addition to our proprietary scoring system—which has been highly regarded in previous models—the system’s enhanced defect size assessment supports flexible inspection operations tailored to the quality standards of each production site.

The system is primarily designed for pattern inspection, though it can also handle solid-color inspections to some extent, depending on the conditions.Supported processes include gravure printing, flexographic printing, and label printing; depending on conditions, the system is also intended for use in digital printing, dry lamination, extrusion lamination, rewinding machines, slitting machines, coating machines, gusseting machines, and bag-making machines.

●Key Features of the BCON6000

・Proprietary scoring system + defect size measurement: In addition to the scoring system that has proven its effectiveness in previous models, the system supports the quantification of quality assessments through high-precision defect size measurement.

・High image uniformity and reproducibility: Stable image acquisition is achieved through a 3CMOS color line-scan camera and lens aberration correction technology.

・Pattern matching function: Reduces false detections caused by synchronization errors resulting from product stretching, shrinking, or meandering, contributing to stable inspection.

・Flexibility for Various Installation Environments: Supports cable lengths of up to 70 m*1 from the control panel to the camera, accommodating a wide range of production line configurations.

・High-Speed, High-Precision Image Inspection: Our in-house developed high-speed image processing board and CoaXPress interface support inspection on high-speed production lines.

● Intended Applications and Target Processes

<Examples of Applications and Processes>

・Flexible packaging

・Sticker and label printing

・Paper packaging and package printing

・Digital printing (depending on conditions)

・Bag printing

・Gravure printing

・Flexographic printing

・Label printing

・Extrusion lamination

・Dry Lamination

・Bag-making machines (depending on conditions)

・Rewinding machines ・Slitting machines

・Coating machine (depending on conditions)

・Gusset machine

● Main Specifications

Inspection Target: Pattern inspection (plain-surface inspection partially supported depending on conditions)

Camera: 3 CMOS color line-scan cameras

Number of Pixels: 4,096 pixels / 80 MHz

Maximum Line Speed: 1,000 m/min (depending on resolution conditions)

Standard Configuration Example: At a line speed of 200 m/min, horizontal resolution of 0.15 mm,

　　　　　　　　vertical resolution 0.2 mm

Inspection width: Approx. 1,200 mm (2-channel configuration example), max. 2,200 mm

Number of Defects Detected Simultaneously: 20 per second

Shipment Start Date: September 2026

●BCON6000

Product Image*2

BCON6000 Print Quality Inspection System Main Unit

Operator Interface

BCON6000 Print Quality Inspection System Control Panel

●About Nireco

Company Name: Nireco Co., Ltd.

Established: November 1950

Consolidated Revenue: 11,022 million yen (Fiscal Year Ending March 2026)

Capital: 3,094 million yen

Market: Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market (Ticker Symbol: 6863)

Business Activities: Development, manufacturing, and sales of control and measurement equipment, as well as maintenance services

URL: https://www.nireco.jp

*1 Depends on installation conditions

*2 Product images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual product specifications and appearance may differ slightly.

● Inquiries regarding this matter

NIRECO Corporation Control Equipment Sales Department

TEL: 042-660-7358

E-mail: info-epc@nireco.co.jp

Flyer Front

Flyer Back

The “Sagami Vibes Kids Market,” held as part of “SAGAMI VIBES PARK vol. 3,” is an experiential market now in its second year where children take on the entire process—from “thinking, creating, preparing, selling, and teaching”—and participate as stallholders.The goal is not just to sell items, but to foster initiative, creativity, and communication skills by having children think about what to make, devise ways to present their ideas effectively, and engage in repeated interactions with others. This initiative supports children’s desire to “give it a try” within the local community and creates opportunities where each child’s challenge builds their confidence.

Sagami Vibes Kids Market

■ Highlights of the Event

“SAGAMI VIBES PARK vol. 3,” taking place on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, at Fuchinobe Park in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is packed with a variety of activities the whole family can enjoy.A food festival, market, workshops, activities, and a gathering of American cars, classic cars, and motorcycles will all come together in one place. Admission is free, so feel free to join us.

■ Main Attractions

・Delicious food and drinks from across Sagamihara and beyond

・Stylish shops featuring vintage clothing, accessories, plants, and more

・The Kids’ Market, which was a huge hit last time

・Cooking experience booths where you can make and eat your own food

・Hands-on activities like bouldering and slacklining

・Workshops for stationery, keychains, stuffed animals, and dyeing

・Customize parts and items with pinstripe and sign painting

・Exhibits of American cars, classic cars, and motorcycles to boost the vibe

・Sagamihara’s popular mascot, “Sagamin,” will also be there

・Thrilling street performances unfolding right before your eyes

・Live music, comedy, and taiko drum performances on the special stage

・This time, a ramp trailer where you can skateboard for free will also be on site

Over 190 vendors and more than 70 vehicles on display will gather from all over the region, including outside Sagamihara City. It’s a massive event packed with activities. We’ve prepared a wide variety of eye-catching attractions—both in atmosphere and content—so you can enjoy them with your family and friends.

■ Event Venue Map & Vendor List

This year, we’ve introduced a GPS-enabled map for Coco Marche.

Not only can you check the venue map and vendor information in advance, but you can also use it for navigation within the venue on the day of the event.

If you find a store that catches your eye, mark it with a “Like.”

You can enjoy SAGAMI VIBES virtually and explore the venue with the map in hand on the day of the event.

September 5 (Sat) MAP

https://coco-marche.com/web/marche/PYC4NG/map

September 6 (Sun) MAP

https://coco-marche.com/web/marche/5YK1EU/map

Coco Marche

https://coco-marche.com/lp/

September 5 (Sat) Vendor List

September 5 (Sat) Venue Map

September 6 (Sun) Vendor List

September 6 (Sun) Venue Map

■Event Overview

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

　　　　　　　　　　　 September 6, 2026 (Sun), 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

　　　　　　　　　　　 *The event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in case of heavy rain

　　　　　　　　　　　 *Pets are allowed (generally not permitted on the lawn area)

Venue: Fuchinobe Park, Central Plaza and Lawn Area

　　　　　　　　　　　 3-1-6 Yaei, Chuo Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 252-0229

Admission and Parking: Free

Organized and Managed by: Sagamihara City Town and Green Space Public Corporation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation),

　　　　　　　　　　　 SAGAMI VIBES PARK Executive Committee

Supported by: Sagamihara City

In cooperation with: Tokai Sports Instruction Co., Ltd.

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagami.vibes/

Scenes from the Previous Event

BBQ Spare Ribs & Barbecue Sauces

Strawberries from Kato Farm

■ Event Concept

We are hosting SAGAMI VIBES in Sagamihara, based on the concept of “Culture × Community Revitalization.” It’s a place where a variety of shops, foods, and experiences come together, and where visitors can respect each other’s values and cultures.

That is the kind of space SAGAMI VIBES aims to create.

We hope to attract as many people as possible and help local residents grow to love Sagamihara even more.

For those from outside the city, we hope it will serve as an opportunity to get to know Sagamihara.

We aim to create an event that is rooted in the community and connects people with one another and with the city.

Novel: Nakatotohiko—Front Cover

URL: https://hikonohoakari.jp/

Although Nakatotohikari’s name appears in texts such as the *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*, he is not widely known to the general public.On the other hand, as a deity deeply connected to the Mononobe clan, Prince Amaterasu, the Ten Sacred Treasures, Emperor Jimmu’s Eastern Campaign, and the legends surrounding the founding of Yamato, he holds significant importance in the fields of ancient history, shrine traditions, and place-name lore.

Following the author’s previous work, *Nakatomihaya: The First King of Japan*, which compiled shrine traditions and historical debates surrounding Nakatomihaya into an accessible analytical text, this newly published *Novel: Nakatomihaya* further develops those insights into a narrative form.

In this work, Nakatotohiko is portrayed not merely as a mythical figure, but as a king who crossed the ancient seas, opened up new lands, united the people, and made decisions caught between governance and prayer.In a story that spans Awa, Awaji, Harima, Tamba and Tango, Aki, Tsukushi, and finally Yamato, scenes that have traditionally been told as myths come to life as the actions, conflicts, love, and prayers of a flesh-and-blood human being.

A major feature of this work is its realism, which makes it feel as though it is recounting historical facts.While this is, of course, a novel, it is not a typical work of fiction. Drawing on ancient historical research, shrine traditions, place names, ancient transportation routes, rituals, maritime travel, and the relationships between powerful clans, the descriptions are so realistic and vivid that readers may find themselves wondering, “Did this really happen?”

An authentic ancient history novel centered on “Nagosuhihiko,” the first king of Japan, whose story has been buried in the shadows of mythology.

With a realism that defies belief for a work of fiction, this book vividly portrays his life.

Numerous scenes recounted in the *Kojiki* are brought back to life not as mere myths, but as a reality inhabited by flesh-and-blood human beings.

This epic ancient history novel depicts another, long-hidden history of Japan’s founding, set amidst the tensions of love and prayer, politics and war.

Novel: Nakatohikari—Back Cover

■Background of Publication

While Japanese ancient history is filled with stories of gods and emperors known to all, there are also figures who, though mentioned, have never been given their due attention. One such representative figure is Nakatohiko.

Nayohibito is spoken of as the ancestral deity of the Mononobe clan and is also said to have been involved with Yamato even before Emperor Jimmu. However, despite the prominence of his name, opportunities for general readers to learn about Nayohibito have been limited.

My previous work, *Nakatohikari: The First King of Japan*, was published as part of an effort to interpret regional culture, Shinto shrines, ancient history, and folklore and present them in an accessible way to general readers. That book was conceived as an introductory volume that bridges the enjoyment of exploring Shinto shrines with the depth of ancient history.

In this new work, *The Novel: Nakatotohiko*, we have restructured the insights presented in the previous book into a narrative, with the aim of enabling an even wider audience to enter the world of ancient history. This book is recommended not only for those with a specialized interest in ancient history but also for anyone interested in historical fiction, shrine visits, Japanese mythology, and local folklore.

Illustration: Yamato

■ Features of This Work

1. An Authentic Ancient History Novel Featuring Nakatomihiko as the Protagonist

This work centers on Nakatomihiko—one of the most enigmatic figures in ancient history—and portrays his life as an epic tale. Rather than merely retelling a myth, it presents a compelling narrative that explores how the people of antiquity migrated, governed the land, and shaped the nation.

2. A sense of realism as if recounting historical facts

Although this book is a work of fiction, it draws on shrine traditions, ancient place names, ancient transportation systems, maritime travel, and the relationships between powerful clans. It places great emphasis on descriptions that make readers feel, “This isn’t just a myth—could this actually be history that really happened?”

3. A follow-up to the previous work, *Nakatotohiko: The First King of Japan*

The previous work was a scholarly analysis of shrine legends and historical debates surrounding Nakatotohiko. This novel expands on those insights into a narrative, conveying the appeal of Nakatotohiko to a broader readership.

4. A wide-ranging story set in ancient Japan

The story unfolds across Awa, Awaji, Harima, Tamba and Tango, Aki, Tsukushi, and finally Yamato. Against the backdrop of regional folklore and landscapes, the novel depicts Nakatomihiko’s encounters with people in various regions as he works toward nation-building.

5. Illustrations That Complement the Story’s World

To visually convey ancient ship fleets, settlements, mountains, rituals, and character relationships, illustrations have been created to accompany the text. Ancient landscapes and scenes are carefully visualized to help readers immerse themselves in the ancient world.

Illustration: Tamba Fuji

Illustration: Nano-tsu (Hakata Bay)

■ Book Overview

Title: Novel: Nakatomihiko

Author: Ryutaro

Publisher: FIT Co., Ltd.

Release Date: July 31, 2026 (Reiwa 8)

Dimensions: 210 mm (H) × 143 mm (W)

Number of Pages: 334 pages

Price: 2,500 yen (excluding tax)

ISBN: 978-4-9913868

Available at: Official LP, Amazon

Official Website: https://hikonohoakari.jp/

Genre: Ancient History Fiction / Historical Fiction / Japanese Mythology / Shrine Lore

*This book is a work of fiction based on ancient history, shrine lore, and place-name traditions.

Where to Buy:

This book is available for purchase on Amazon as well as through the official landing page. The official landing page features purchase buttons for *Novel: Nakatomihiko* and its predecessor, *The First King of Japan: Nakatomihiko*, as well as a contact form for inquiries regarding the publication.

Illustration: Awa

■About the Previous Work

The previous work, *Nihon no Kuni no Hajime no Ō: Nakatomihiko*, is a book of ancient history analysis that introduces the figure of Nakatomihiko in a way that is easy for general readers to understand, using the deities enshrined in shrines as a starting point.

It was crafted to allow readers to gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese mythology and ancient history by reflecting on familiar shrines, ancient clans, folklore, and place names as they read.

This new work, *Novel: Nakatohikari*, is a sequel-style publication that further expands the worldview presented in the previous book into a narrative.

Previous Work: *Nakatohikari, the First King of Japan*—Cover

■Company Overview

Company Name: FIT Co., Ltd.

Address: 5F Miyako San-ai Building, 1-1-2 Nishiwaki, Hirano-ku, Osaka City

Business Activities: Publishing, editing, printing, public relations and sales promotion support, dissemination of local information, planning and production

URL: https://fit-plan.co.jp/

SilkyEvCam Studio logo & HD camera

Inspired by our initial encounter with event cameras, we have been engaged in the development and manufacturing of event cameras*1) and camera modules. Drawing on the experience and knowledge we have accumulated while responding to various requests from our customers, we have developed “SilkyEvCam Studio,” dedicated software that enables intuitive and user-friendly operation of the SilkyEvCam and features the ability to export captured data as standard video files. 

“SilkyEvCam Studio” is software that allows you to handle everything from shooting with the Event Camera to reviewing and utilizing the data in one place. We invite you to consider this tool as a way to make the Event Camera more accessible and easier to use.

<SilkyEvCam Studio Features>

● Adjust various parameters while viewing real-time video

● Recording (saving RAW files) and playback

● Slow-motion playback to for detailed examination of rapid changes and keyfeatures

● Export to video file formats such as avi and mp4

For more details, visit: https://centuryarks.com/en/newsrelease/7629/

■ SilkyEvCam Studio Overview

Starting with quotation requests received on Tuesday, September 1 (JST), the following SilkyEvCam models supported by“SilkyEvCam Studio” will be sold with “SilkyEvCam Studio” included as standard.

[Compatible Models]

・SilkyEvCam (VGA)

・SilkyEvCam HD / HD Lite

・SilkyEvCam BothView(R)

[Pricing and Sales/Availability]

1) “SilkyEvCam Studio” is included as standard with compatible models and is also purchased as standalone software.

Our International retail price

SilkyEvCam Studio (standalone): 240.00 USD

2) The price for SilkyEvCam (VGA) will be revised effective September 1.

<Our International Retail Prices Effective September 1>

・Turnkey Package: 1,115.00 USD

(Camera, USB cable, lens, mini tripod, carrying case)

・Standard Set: 840.00 USD

(Camera, USB cable)

* Please note that prices for our products and services may be changed without prior notice due to changes in market conditions and other factors.

3) We will provide “SilkyEvCam Studio” free of charge to academic users, and those who have already purchased and are currently using SilkyEvCam HD, HD Lite, or BothView.

4) The special price for SilkyEvCam (VGA), which has been available since July 21, 2026, as the first phase of the “Frontiers in Vision” academic support program, will continue beyond September 1 and for the remainder of the first phase. 

For details of the first phase, please visit: https://centuryarks.com/en/newsrelease/7531/

[How to Purchase or Obtain]

Please review the webpage below and contact us via the inquiry form "Contact Us" on our website. After reviewing your request, we will provide further details via email.

For more details, visit: https://centuryarks.com/en/newsrelease/7629/

*1) What is the event-based vision camera “SilkyEvCam”?

https://centuryarks.com/en/about-evcam/

[CenturyArks Co., Ltd.]

We are committed to contributing to society throughoptical technologies by developing and manufacturing advanced imagingtechnologies, including event-based vision cameras, as well as compact,high-performance camera modules. We also provide comprehensive, integratedsolutions ranging from camera development to system development.

URL: https://centuryarks.com/en/

[Contact Information]

CenturyArks Co., Ltd.

3-13-1 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0031

Tel: +81-(0)3-6804-5752

Fax: +81-(0) 3-5411-2661

Email: pr@centuryarks.com

R&I Company Limited has also entered into a franchise agreement with Linoa Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: 100-3 Takamiya-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, 522-0201;Representative: Wataru Tanizawa), and on Thursday, September 17, 2026, we will open the “Hokkaido Freshly Made Donut Specialty Store MILK DO dore iku? (hereinafter, MILK DO dore iku?) Hikone Branch will open on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 1558 Takamiya-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, within the parking lot of Drug Yutaka Hikone Takamiya Store.We have commissioned the food production group “hanninmae” to oversee the store’s development, and this will be the 32nd “MILK DO dore iku?” location nationwide (4 in Hokkaido and 28 outside Hokkaido).

The “Coffee Vanilla” flavor will be sold exclusively at the Hikone store. This slightly sophisticated, special-recipe cream combines Hokkaido-grown fresh cream with rich espresso and vanilla. Please enjoy the aromatic espresso and the sweet, floral aftertaste of vanilla.

Our brand is committed to using Hokkaido-produced ingredients, including raw milk and fresh cream from across the prefecture, as well as our original blend of flour made from Hokkaido wheat. Our goal is to contribute to the development of Hokkaido’s primary industries and the advancement of the sixth-sector economy.We have also formed alliances with other Hokkaido-based companies to establish an integrated system covering production, processing, and sales. This allows us to offer products that are more affordable, delivered faster, and of the highest freshness. Furthermore, because we maintain transparency throughout the entire process from production to sale, everyone—from children to the elderly—can enjoy “Milk D’Drake” fresh donuts with confidence and peace of mind.

In-Store Exclusive “Coffee Vanilla”

Milk Dodo Drake Expands to 32 Locations Nationwide

Dairy Cows from Partner Farms

Hikone Store LINE

[About “Milk Dodorake”]

This is Hokkaido’s first specialty shop for “fresh-made” donuts. Our first store opened in Sapporo on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Since then, we’ve been featured in the media and on social media, and we’ve had lines of customers every day.

“Freshly made donuts” are distinct from traditional donuts—they have a texture that melts in your mouth with a light, effervescent sensation and are so soft they seem like they might crumble in your hands. Their perfectly round shape is adorable, prompting a flood of social media posts, and they’re currently the hottest dessert trend in Hokkaido.

“Milk D’Doreik” fresh-made donuts feature a moist and smooth dough made primarily with wheat flour from Tokachi—a region known for Hokkaido’s vast landscapes—and generously enriched with eggs and butter. The milk, pasteurized at low temperatures and free of preservatives, comes from Hokkaido dairy farms and offers a rich, sweet flavor.We also offer a variety of flavored creams, all based on rich fresh cream made from raw milk sourced from the Nekushin region of Hokkaido. By frying them quickly at a high temperature, we ensure the outside is crispy while the inside has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, similar to fresh cream.The flavor lineup includes 10 regular menu items—such as Pure Whipped Cream, Homemade Custard, and Chocolate Nuts—plus one store-exclusive item, for a total of 11 varieties.

・Homemade Custard: 350 yen

Homemade Custard

・Pure Whipped Cream 350 yen

Pure Whipped Cream

・Chocolate Nuts 420 yen

Chocolate Nuts

Mixed Sugar: 290 yen, Pure Whipped Cream: 350 yen, Earl Grey: 350 yen

Homemade Custard: 350 yen Homemade Tiramisu: 380 yen

Milk Glaze: 360 yen, Chocolate Nuts: 420 yen, Happy Red Bean Butter: 380 yen

Pistachio: 460 yen Fluffy Kinako: 290 yen

Store-Exclusive “Coffee Vanilla”: 420 yen *All prices include tax

[Store Overview]

Store Name: “MILK DO dore iku? Hikone Store”

Address: 522-0201

　　　　　　　　　 1558 Takamiya-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture (inside the parking lot of Drug Yutaka Hikone Takamiya Store)

Closed: None

Hours of Operation: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Service Format: Takeout

Price Range (Tax Included): 290–460 yen

Phone: 050-8884-3758

URL: https://www.instagram.com/milkdodoreiku?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

[About the Food Production Group “hanninmae”]

A food production group based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, that handles food products from all over Japan. We provide one-stop support ranging from product development and design to sales promotion.

URL: https://www.instagram.com/hanninmae.official?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

SiOKUMA BAKERY

Gyuyotei

Teba Sakki　

Ebi Sennin

Hotomugi

Produced 85 stores across 17 business formats nationwide

■Company Overview

Company Name: Linoa Co., Ltd.

Representative: Wataru Tanizawa, Representative Director

Address: 100-3 Takamiya-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture 522-0201

Phone: 080-6747-2424

[Customer Inquiries Regarding Stores and Products]

MILK DO dore iku Co., Ltd.

Tel: 011-688-5994

This year, a total of 44 programs will be held across five categories—history and culture, daily life, nature, learning, and sports—including the second installment of the popular bus tour that takes participants around Sanda.There will also be a wide variety of photo- and video-worthy experiential programs, such as hot-air balloon flights soaring over cosmos fields, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the lake, and authentic camping adventures with college students.Programs packed with the “passion” of the people and organizations active in Sanda will take place all over the city, offering 37 days to learn, have fun, and play—all while getting to know, experience, and fall in love with Sanda.

■ History of the Event (The “Sanda City Expo” Expanding with Each Iteration)

Machi-Haku Table

Sanda Machi Expo Poster

“Sanda Town Exploration Expo” Website: https://sanda-machihaku.jp/

(1) Event Name

Explore Sanda Town Expo 2026

(2) Organizer

Sanda City, Sanda City Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)

(3) Event Dates

September 19, Reiwa 8 (Sat) – October 25, Reiwa 8 (Sun) (37 days)

(4) Program Details

A total of 44 programs will be held across five categories: history and culture, daily life, nature, learning, and sports.

Program Examples:

・Hazu River Cosmos Field: Hot-air Balloon Ride (Capture the cosmos field and hot-air balloon together in a single photo)

・Kayaking and SUP at Senjōji Lake (Capture dynamic photos by the water)

・Collaborative event with Shiitake Land Kasayato: “Food education experience featuring freshly picked shiitake mushrooms from logs and an open-air tea ceremony under the blue sky”

・Join forces with student camp leaders from Kwansei Gakuin University for tent camping and outdoor cooking! An authentic camping experience in the forest!

・Outdoor activities at the Kobe Sanda Outdoor Village TEMIL campground (There’s also a great deal where you can stay overnight and get a discount on event participation fees)

・Fully enjoy autumn’s experiences and flavors! Harvest local black edamame and join us for lunch!

・Build a telescope and observe the universe!

*Please note that the organizing groups vary by program. Please refer to the attached brochure for details.

Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience (Image)

Food Education Experience with Log-Grown Shiitake Mushrooms and Outdoor Tea Ceremony

Camping Experience with Kwansei Gakuin University Students

Outdoor Activities at the Campground

Local Black Edamame Harvest Experience and Luncheon

Build a Telescope and Observe the Universe

(5) Registration

Reservations open on Tuesday, September 1, Reiwa 8, at 10:00 a.m. *Advance reservations required; first-come, first-served basis

(6) Opening Event

Title: “Akichi Night × Sanda Town Expo Pre-Festival”

Date and Time: Sunday, September 13, Reiwa 8, 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Ekimae Akichi (1-8 Yayoi-ga-oka, Sanda City)

Registration & Admission: No registration required; free admission

Organizers: Hokusetsu Community Development Center Co., Ltd., Sanda City

Event Details: A diverse array of participants from the Sanda City Expo will gather at Ekimare Akichi. Through casual mini-activities and shopping, you can discover the people making Sanda thrive and experience the charm of the region. On the day of the event, in addition to a stamp rally where you can earn discount coupons and a badge-making workshop, the concurrently held “Akichi de Night” will feature a children’s festival and food trucks.

(7) Bus Tour

Title: “Sanda Machi Expo: All-Sanda Nature Tour 2”

Date and Time: Saturday, September 19, Reiwa 8, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Meeting Place: Mita Station North Exit (1-1 Takatsugi, Mita City)

Registration & Participation Fee: Adults 5,000 yen (tax included), Children 4,000 yen (tax included)

Capacity: 36 people

Organizers: Shinki Bus Co., Ltd., Cosmos Foods Co., Ltd.

Supported by: Kinsho-ji Temple, studio POI, Pono Cafe,

　　　　　　　 Kobe Mita Outdoor Village TEMIL, LA・BO・RA TORIO,

　　　　　　　 Edamame no Me, Okamura Sake Brewery, Chakabo Kirameki Co., Ltd.,

　　　　　　　 Nishimura Seigetsudo, and others

Details: Now in its second year, this is a special tour that takes you around the area via local bus.Organized by Shinki Bus Co., Ltd. and Cosmos Foods Co., Ltd.—both of whom love Mita—this tour departs from and returns to Mita Station. In addition to staple activities like yoga at a temple and a lakeside lunch featuring local Mita ingredients, the tour has been enhanced with a nature-filled workshop in the forest and a special “Sake × Tea × Wagashi” event showcasing Mita’s local products.

How to Apply: Apply via the URL below by the day before the tour. (First-come, first-served)

　　　　　　　 https://shinkibus-tour.book.ntmg.com/top/products/cce2847c-77b9-5163-a4dc-7d0fecb88a3b?lng=ja

Sanda Machi Expo All-Sanda Nature Tour 2

(8) Inquiries

2-1-1 Miwa, Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture 669-1595 Sanda City Town Brand Tourism Division

Tel: 079-559-5012

Fax: 079-559-5024

Email: machibrand@city.sanda.lg.jp

■ About Sanda City, the Project Organizer

Sanda City, located in the southeastern part of Hyogo Prefecture, boasts abundant nature, beautiful streetscapes, and a safe environment for raising children. It also offers excellent access from major cities such as Osaka and Kobe. With a variety of attractions—including cuisine, history, culture, and leisure activities—it is a city where residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

[Website] https://www.city.sanda.lg.jp/

[Portal Site (Sanda Welcome)] https://sanda-portal.com/

[Sanda City Official Instagram (Sanda Smile)] https://www.instagram.com/sanda_smile/

[Sanda City Official Facebook] https://www.facebook.com/sandacity/

Made of PVC using blister molding, these products feature an authentic appearance while weighing only about 170 grams. They can be easily assembled by simply attaching five parts, and when paired with a face-and-cheek mask, users can effortlessly transform into a Sengoku-era warlord.

The series will be available in two colors: red (“Sanada-style”) and black (“Date-style”).

In addition to being exhibited at the Tokyo Gift Show, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, September 2, to Friday, September 4, 2026, select stores are scheduled to begin pre-sales in September.

“Bliss Helmet” Series

■Product Overview

・Product Name: “Blis Easy-Assembly & Lightweight Gear: Red Helmet (Sanada-Style) Sengoku Warlord Set”

　　　　　“Blis Easy-Assembly & Lightweight Black Helmet (Date-Style) Sengoku Warlord Set”

Example of the Red Helmet Sengoku Warrior Set in use

Example of the Black Helmet Sengoku Warlord Set in Use

・Product Features

1. Made of PVC using blister molding, it is comfortable enough for even adults to wear.

2. Easy assembly—just attach the five parts.

(Helmet shell, front crest, chin guard, left and right side flaps; *Helmet shell includes a neck strap*)

Red Helmet Sengoku Warlord Set Contents

Black Helmet Sengoku Warlord Set Contents

3. Includes cheek guards for an even more authentic role-playing experience.

By combining the helmet with the cheek guards, you can easily channel the spirit of a Sengoku-era warlord.

4. The lineup includes two styles: “Sanada-style” and “Date-style.”

The Sanada-style features a red color scheme, while the Date-style features a black color scheme.

・Price: 4,400 yen each (includes 10% tax)

・Set Contents: PVC helmet (with neck strap), face guard (with elastic strap)

・Product Size: Approx. 30 cm

・Material: PVC/POM/PE/PC

・Recommended Age: 15 and older

・Release Date: General Release scheduled for December 2026 *Pre-release sales scheduled to begin in September at select stores

・Distributor: Blis Co., Ltd.

We will be exhibiting at the Tokyo Gift Show, held at Tokyo Big Sight from Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to Friday, September 4, 2026 (Booth Location: East Hall 3, T23-41).

In addition to the “Blis Helmet” series, our booth will also feature the first-ever display of the “Yorochibi” series—small plush figures dressed in armor and helmets.

“Yorochibi” Series

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Blis Co., Ltd.

Address: 3-21-1-1003 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051

Established: April 2025

Business Activities: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of general merchandise and toys

The company’s flagship product is the branded “Kasumi Crab,” and it holds purchasing rights at Kasumi Fishing Port; last year, it purchased the “No. 1 Crab” at the opening auction. This year, the opening auction will be held on Friday, September 4.We’ll ship the “live Kasumi Crab” we win at the early-morning auction directly to Osaka, and just five hours later, at our company-owned restaurant “Kasumi Crab Ichiban,” we’ll offer the first two groups of customers who have reserved a lunch course—believe it or not!—half a crab from the opening auction free of charge, in addition to their meal.

The Kasumi Crab opening auction, which begins with the start of the season in September, is a fall tradition of the Sea of Japan. We are offering our customers a truly rare experience: the chance to savor this crab at the very earliest possible time, with an overwhelming abundance of meat.Furthermore, “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” will hold the “Kasumi Crab ‘First Auction’ Commemorative Fair” for a limited time from Friday, September 4, to Wednesday, September 30. Please take this opportunity to savor Kasumi crab this fall.

■ Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/kasumigani-ichiban/reserve/

Left: A view of Kasumi Fishing Port. On the right side of the photo is our Executive Vice President, Masatomo Uegaki. Right: Kasumi crab

*Please note that due to sudden changes in weather or other circumstances, the date of the first auction may be changed from September 4 to another date. Please check the official “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” Instagram account for the latest information.

https://www.instagram.com/kasumiganiitiban/

Scenes from the Auction

■Autumn—the season for hearty appetites! Hosting the “Kasumi Crab ‘First Auction’ Commemorative Fair”

Official Name: “Kasumi Crab ‘First Auction’ Commemorative Fair”

Dates: Friday, September 4, 2026 – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Participating Store: “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” (Namba Area, Osaka)

Main Details:

(1) Kasumi crab, now in season, will be offered at special prices during the fair (e.g., “Kasumi Crab Full Course” for 14,800 yen, “Kasumi Crab Indulgence Course” for 13,800 yen). Prices remain as affordable as usual, so you can make your reservations with confidence.

(2) Customers who order the “Live Snow Crab & Kasumi Crab Tasting Comparison Course” (special price: 18,800 yen) during the event period will be able to select their own live snow crab swimming in the restaurant’s tank (normally, staff select the crab for you),and we’ll offer a “Mini First Auction Experience” that lets you feel like you’re bidding at a real auction. This is a great opportunity during the Silver Week holiday season and other travel periods to take photos and videos to share on social media.

“Live Snow Crab & Kasumi Crab Tasting Comparison Course.” Special price of 18,800 yen during the fair.

(3) We will display a photo panel in the restaurant featuring Kasumi crabs won at the Kasumi Fishing Port auction. Customers visiting during the event period are welcome to take photos with the panel using their smartphones. You can then post photos of the Kasumi crab opening auction on your social media.

Normally, restaurant staff select and retrieve the crabs from the tanks, but during the fair, customers can choose the crabs they want to eat.

(4) A social media countdown will begin the day before the first auction! On the day before the first auction (scheduled for Thursday, September 3), once the fishing boats depart from Kasumi Port, we will post a video of our vice president’s motivational message on the official “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” Instagram account.The following day, Friday, September 4, we will take commemorative photos of the Kasumi crab purchased at the auction and post a video of the first auction on the official “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” Instagram account.

*All prices include tax

■ “Kasumi Crab Ichiban” Store Information

Address: 1F Namba Oriental Hotel, 2-8-17 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 07

Access: About a 3-minute walk from Namba Station; about a 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station

Hours: Weekdays: Lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Dinner 5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.

　　　　　 Weekends and Holidays: Lunch 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, Dinner 5:00 PM–9:30 PM *Smoking prohibited all day

Closed: None

Opening Date: April 20, 2026

Seating Capacity: 38 seats (semi-private rooms available; private events available upon request)

Official Website: https://kaniichiban-osaka.com/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasumiganiitiban/

Popular YouTuber TabiEats visited our restaurant! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loGkVHkpdKo

Operating Company: Maruchika Co., Ltd. (https://www.kani-mrck.com/)

April 20, 2026 Opening Announcement: https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/589174

A crab specialty restaurant featuring a massive live tank inside the store.

■ Overview of Marukin Co., Ltd.

In addition to selling Kasumi crab on our own e-commerce site, we also wholesale to central wholesale markets nationwide, as well as to ryokan and high-end restaurants both within and outside the prefecture.We operate the restaurant “Kawai Kasumi Main Store” in Kami Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, where our headquarters is located, as well as the restaurant “Kinosaki Kawai” and the ryokan “Kani no Yado Kawai Annex” in Kinosaki Onsen, one of Hyogo Prefecture’s leading tourist destinations.We welcome media inquiries regarding these affiliated facilities at any time.

Renovation Highlights

The confectionery brand “Kurofune” has continued to create memorable sweets by combining the natural power of ingredients with traditional craftsmanship. As part of this renovation, the brand will launch a new brown sugar caramel pudding made with carefully selected ingredients, as well as an original eco-bag.

Kurofune is a confectionery brand originating in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo, that has continued to craft sweets with a focus on ingredients, production methods, and design, guided by the concept of “True flavor, with a true heart.”

With the renovation of our Jiyugaoka flagship store, we have revamped the sales floor layout to create a space where customers can shop at their leisure.

Brown Sugar Caramel Pudding

■ New Product: Brown Sugar Caramel Pudding

Our new “Kurofune Brown Sugar Caramel Pudding” features eggs from chickens carefully raised at Sakamoto Poultry Farm in Nara Prefecture. Made with milk and fresh cream from Hokkaido for a smooth texture, it is paired with a caramel sauce containing Okinawan brown sugar, allowing you to enjoy a rich sweetness and deep, complex flavor.

Product: Kurofune Brown Sugar Caramel Pudding

Price: 465 yen (tax included)

Availability: September 4 (Fri) – Year-round

Eco-Bag

■ Limited-Edition Eco-Bag

To commemorate the renovation of our Jiyugaoka Main Store, we’ve created an eco-bag featuring Kurofune’s signature monochrome design. This eco-bag, true to the Kurofune style, is perfect for your own use or as a gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

MIRAI Castella *Café Menu

MIRAI Castella Takeout

■Limited-Edition Revival: MIRAI Castella

Warm castella cake infused with a secret sauce. Enjoy this flavor—normally available only at cafe COCOOCEN in our Jiyugaoka Main Store—as a takeout item.

Product: Kurofune MIRAI Castella

Price: 648 yen (tax included)

Period: September 4 (Fri) – October 31 (Sat)

Tenchi-jin

We’ve also prepared a campaign to celebrate the renovation, including special sets and a limited-time offering of our “Tenchi-jin” butter castella. We look forward to welcoming you to our newly renovated Jiyugaoka Main Store.

■Renovation Details

Due to renovation work, the Kurofune Jiyugaoka Main Store will be temporarily closed. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

▽ Closure Period

August 17, 2026 (Mon) – September 3, 2026 (Thu)

We plan to reopen on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers and the local community, and we appreciate your understanding.

During the closure, please visit your nearest Kurofune store or shop at our online store.

[Jiyugaoka Main Store Renovation Celebration]

Announcement of Official Online Store Campaign

Online Store

To celebrate the renovation, the Kurofune Official Online Shop is running a campaign featuring sets that include eco-bags, among other items sure to delight our customers. Please visit the official online shop for details.

■ Online Shop Campaign Period

September 7 (Mon) – 17 (Thu), 2026. The campaign will end once the scheduled quantity is reached.

▽ Kurofune Official Online Store

https://www.quolofune.com/online_shop/

Kurofune Logo

Kurofune is a confectionery shop specializing in castella, with its main store located in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo.

We deliver confections crafted using the inherent qualities of our ingredients and the techniques we have cultivated in-house.

Next, from Japan,

by a ship laden with the Japanese spirit.

We want to share the dreamlike excitement that the Black Ships once brought—this time, from Japan to the world.

■About Kurofune Jiyugaoka Cafe COCOOCEN

A café located on the second floor of our Jiyugaoka flagship store.

We offer sincere hospitality through safe, reliable, and delicious tea and sweets.

Enjoy a moment you can only experience at cafe COCOOCEN.

・Kurofune Jiyugaoka Main Store

Hours: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

・Closed

1st Floor Retail: Every Monday (If Monday is a holiday, closed the following day)

2nd Floor Café: Every Monday and Tuesday

・Directions

4-minute walk from the Main Exit of Jiyugaoka Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyu Oimachi Line

[Kurofune Co., Ltd.]

Main Store: Jiyugaoka, Tokyo

Address: 1-24-11 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0035

Official Website: https://www.quolofune.com/

Official Online Store: https://www.quolofune.com/online_shop/

Official Instagram: quolofune_official

　　　　　　　　　　　　 ( https://www.instagram.com/quolofune_official/ )

This hands-on workshop is an experiential event where participants can freely blend over 20 types of fragrances inspired by Japan’s four seasons and culture to create their very own original scented candle.We have selected one-of-a-kind, historic “antique soba choko” bowls for use in the workshop. We invite you to enjoy a soothing, hands-on crafting experience that blends traditional Japanese beauty with fragrance.

1

■ Three Highlights of the Workshop

1. “Over 20 Japanese Scents” Reflecting Japan’s Primordial Landscapes

We provide fragrances that evoke scenes unique to Japan, such as matcha, yuzu, sake, cherry blossoms, hinoki cypress, osmanthus, moss, agarwood, and plum blossoms. You’ll have the opportunity to experience each scent individually and use your own intuition to craft the interplay and evolution of these scents.

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2. “Antique Soba Choko” Selection: Enjoy a Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

You may select one piece of your choice from our collection of antique soba choko. As you cherish your favorite vessel for years to come, you’ll create a sustainable and spiritually enriching moment enveloped in light and fragrance.

3. Patented “Fresh Candle Pack” and Recipe Storage System

We’ll present your finished fragrance in a patented “Fresh Candle Pack.” Simply warm the pack in a water bath at home and pour it into your chosen vessel to enjoy a fresh, just-made scent anytime. Additionally, your fragrance recipe will be carefully preserved, allowing you to reorder the exact same scent whenever you wish.

■ Concurrent Event: “Driftwood Candle” Exhibition and Sale

On the day of the event, we will also be exhibiting and selling “Driftwood Candles,” each handcrafted to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

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■ Event Overview

Event Name: Aromatic Candles Woven from Japanese Scents and Antiques

Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026

　　　　　　　Session 1: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

　　　　　　　Session 2: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

　　　　　　　Session 3: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Inside THE COVER NIPPON

　　　　　　　(3rd Floor, Galleria, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-3 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)

Capacity: 6 participants per session (*Advance reservation required; registration closes once capacity is reached)

Participation Fee: 14,300 yen (tax included; materials included)

Registration URL: https://thecovernippon.shop-pro.jp/?pid=192993338

■ About the Venue, “THE COVER NIPPON”

Based in Tokyo Midtown, this lifestyle shop curates and sells outstanding traditional crafts and regional products from across Japan. Under the concept of “A New Japanese Style Born of Creativity and Refinement,” it proposes new ways of living through items related to clothing, food, and daily living.

Official Website: https://thecovernippon.jp/

"TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO 50," served as an in-flight sake on Singapore Airlines

The junmai daiginjo “TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO50,” brewed by Tenryo Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Gero City, Gifu Prefecture; President and CEO: Matasuke Uenoda), has been selected as an in-flight beverage for Singapore Airlines and is currently served in Suite and First Class.Following its initial selection, a decision has been made to place an additional order, with the shipment of the additional batch scheduled for September 1, 2026.As a sake brewery in the Tokai region, this marks the first time* it has been selected for Singapore Airlines’ Suite and First Class in-flight service. Sake brewed in Hida and Gero will not be limited to a one-time selection but will continue to be served in the skies around the world.

*Based on our research. As of August 2026. The survey was conducted based on publicly available information we could verify and confirmations from relevant parties, targeting sake producers with headquarters or breweries in the Tokai region (Gifu, Aichi, Mie, and Shizuoka prefectures).

Image 1

1. Overview of the Additional Order

“TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO 50” has been served on Singapore Airlines flights since the beginning of 2026. Following this additional order, which comes after the initial shipment, the additional batch is scheduled to ship on September 1, 2026.Tenryo Shuzo views the fact that this additional order resulted from the actual in-flight service as a new milestone in the ongoing delivery of Hida sake to customers around the world.

2. From the Tokai Region to the World

Hagiwara-cho, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture—where Tenryo Sake Brewery continues its sake-making traditions—is located in the Hida region, known for “Gero Onsen,” one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs.Tenryo Shuzo’s history began in 1680. With roots in the Omi Hino merchant class, the company has carried on its business through the ages and passed down the tradition of sake brewing in the Hida-Gero region.The Hida region, which includes Gero City, is the production area for the “Hida Beef” brand; ayu (sweetfish) thrive in its clear streams, and rice grows in the rice paddies nestled among the mountains.In Kosaka-cho, Gero City, at the foot of Mount Ontake, lies the “Kosaka Waterfall Tour,” a route where more than 200 waterfalls of various sizes are scattered throughout an area designated as a National Quasi-Park. The mountains and pure water support the region’s agriculture, culinary culture, and sake brewing.This sake is brewed using “Hida Homare,” a sake-brewing rice variety produced in Hida, and water from the Mount Ontake range. By combining ultra-soft water with a hardness of approximately 15, the rich umami of the rice, and the time-honored techniques of our brewers, we aim to create a sake with a soft and refined character.Hida beef, ayu sweetfish, rice, and sake. It is the mountains and the pure water that nurture the rich culinary traditions of this land. The rice, the water, and the brewing—all come from Hida. One of these bottles is now being served on board Singapore Airlines flights, connecting the world.

3. Featured Sake: “TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO 50”

This Junmai Daiginjo is carefully brewed using “Hida Homare,” a sake-brewing rice variety from Hida, polished to 50%. With its refined aroma and smooth mouthfeel, it emphasizes the umami of the rice that complements meals, aiming to capture the essence of Hida’s terroir in every glass.

Product Name: TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO50

Type: Junmai Daiginjo

Rice Used: “Hida-grown Hida Homare” sake rice

Polishing Ratio: 50%

Producer: Tenryo Shuzo Co., Ltd.

JUNMAI DAIGINJO HIDAHOMARE 50

A history dating back to 1680 and a challenge for the next 100 years

The history of Tenryo Shuzo began in 1680. With roots in the merchants of Omi Hino, the company has continued its legacy while adapting its business model over the years, and today produces sake, shochu, and other beverages in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture.Amid a declining population, a shortage of successors, and a changing environment surrounding the sake market, we believe that enhancing the value of locally brewed sake and promoting it both domestically and internationally will pave the way for the next 100 years.We are also working to advance temperature and hygiene control and to produce a diverse range of sake through small-batch brewing. Furthermore, Tenryo Shuzo has continued initiatives not only within Japan but also overseas to deliver sake brewed in Hida to as many people as possible.In the past, our sake was selected as an in-flight beverage for Japan Airlines (JAL) international business class. Now, through a new partnership, “TENRYO HIDAHOMARE JUNMAI DAIGINJO 50” has been selected as an in-flight beverage for Singapore Airlines’ Suite and First Class, leading to additional orders.For Tenryo Shuzo, it is a truly gratifying opportunity to introduce Hida’s sake to so many customers across countries and regions through airlines.We hope that through a single glass of sake, people will come to know Hida. While cherishing every connection we have made so far, we aim to share the appeal of Hida’s rice, water, terroir, and sake-making with the world.

Changing to preserve history. Taking root in the region and bearing fruit worldwide.

Singapore Airlines’ selection of our sake and subsequent additional order are yet another new connection we have forged as part of this journey.

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5. Comments from Matsusuke Uenoda, Ninth-Generation Brewery Master and President & CEO

“I was delighted when I received the news of the selection, but seeing our sake actually served on board and receiving this additional order has given me a renewed sense of its great significance.I myself lived overseas when I was young, and at that time, I had no intention of taking over the family sake brewery. Later, I returned to Japan, took over sake brewing in my hometown, and now, the sake we brew in Hida is being enjoyed in the skies around the world. It’s not just sake that we want to share with the world.Through a single bottle of sake, we want to convey Hida’s rice, water, climate, cuisine, and the lives of the people who support sake brewing. If someone somewhere in the world drinks this sake and thinks, “I’d like to visit Hida,” I would be delighted if that led to such a future.Encouraged by this additional order, we will continue to take on global challenges while staying deeply rooted in our community.”

6. About Tenryo Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1680, Tenryo Shuzo traces its roots to the merchants of Omi Hino and has continued its business through the ages. Today, the company produces sake, shochu, and other beverages in Hagiwara-cho, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture.Utilizing water from the Ontake Mountain Range and local ingredients—including “Hida Homare”—we are dedicated to brewing sake that embodies the unique character of the Hida region. In recent years, we have also begun brewing sake using Yamada Nishiki rice grown in Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture—the ancestral home of our forebears—as part of our efforts to pass on the bonds between the land and its people to future generations.

Company Name: Tenryo Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Founded: 1680

Address: 1289-1 Hagiwara, Hagiwara-cho, Gero City, Gifu Prefecture

Representative: Matsusuke Uenoda, President and CEO

Business Activities: Manufacture and sale of sake, shochu, and other beverages

Phone Number: 0576-52-1515

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■ Regarding the “First in the Tokai Region” Claim

*Based on our research. As of August 2026.Based on a survey of sake producers headquartered or operating breweries in the Tokai region (Gifu, Aichi, Mie, and Shizuoka prefectures)—using publicly available information we could verify and confirmations from relevant parties—we have confirmed that we are the first sake brewery in the Tokai region to have our sake selected as an in-flight beverage for Singapore Airlines’ Suite Class and First Class.

At the booth, the company unveiled for the first time the results of the second round of testing for “JIN Nyan Sign,” a health check sheet designed to encourage visits to veterinary clinics by highlighting physical and chemical changes in a cat’s urine. It also exhibited and presented the latest academic research data on the traditional Japanese and Chinese medicinal plant “Inutoki,” as well as new products currently under development.

Despite the limited viewing time during the conference breaks, our booth was flooded with veterinarians and researchers, generating such a tremendous response that we nearly ran out of the 350 sets of research materials and samples we had prepared.

Exhibition at the Japanese Society of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology Booth

■ Background: “Chronic Kidney Disease”—a Cat’s Inevitable Fate—and the Barriers to Early Diagnosis and Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), one of the leading causes of death in cats, is a common condition said to affect more than one in three senior cats.

The kidneys are often referred to as the “silent organ,” and in many cases, by the time visible symptoms such as excessive thirst and urination or loss of appetite appear, the cat has already lost most of its kidney function.

Since it is extremely difficult to restore lost kidney function, there is a strong need for a two-pronged approach: “promptly seeking veterinary care based on subtle changes in daily behavior (early detection)” and “maintaining kidney health from the pre-disease stage (early care).”

At the JIN Katsu Research Institute, we are promoting the research and development of a “pre-disease care system” designed to consistently address these two challenges.

■ Main Presentations at the Conference

1. [Early Detection] Public Release of the Second Test of “JIN Nyan Sign,” Which Encourages Veterinary Visits Based on Urine Behavior

We presented empirical data on “JIN Nyan Sign,” a health check sheet designed to help owners notice subtle changes in their cats’ daily urine patterns and encourage them to consult a veterinary clinic.

In developing this tool, we have welcomed a researcher who received the Best Paper Award from the Japanese Society of Pet Nutrition to our joint development team and are proceeding with technical design based on scientific evidence (*patent pending).

In this exhibition, we released comparative test data using urine from healthy cats and cats with kidney disease (equivalent to IRIS Stage 3, with proteinuria). We presented photographic evidence demonstrating clear differences in water absorption behavior immediately after application, as well as distinct differences in the characteristic color changes on the back of the sheet after 60 minutes.

Figure: Initial conditions of the “JIN Nyan Sign” application test and clinical indicators of the cat urine samples used for comparison (healthy cat urine vs. cat urine from a cat with kidney disease)

Figure: Comparison of color changes on the back of the test strip 60 minutes after applying “JIN Nyan Sign” (color change confirmed only with healthy cat urine)

*“JIN Nyan Sign” is not intended to diagnose or determine the presence of kidney disease; rather, it is a health check tool designed to help pet owners quickly notice abnormalities in their cats and serve as a bridge to seeking veterinary care.

2. [Early Care] Release of Academic Data on the Traditional Japanese and Chinese Herb “Inutoki” & Announcement of a New “Tablet-Type” Formulation to Overcome Bitterness

This clinical data, derived from academic research on the traditional Japanese and Chinese medicinal plant “Inutoki,” verifies trends and statistically significant differences (p-values) in key renal function markers—BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Cr (creatinine)—across the various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

The data demonstrate changes in biological indicators as the disease progresses and the efficacy of Inutoki supplementation. At the conference booth, this evidence-based approach to pre-disease and kidney care garnered significant interest from many veterinarians and specialized researchers.

Figure: Data on trends in BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Cr (creatinine) ratios by stage of chronic kidney disease in cats, along with statistical significance analysis (excerpted from academic research presentation materials)

In addition, we unveiled for the first time the “JIN Power 100 Tablet Type,” currently under development to overcome the characteristic bitterness of Angelica acutiloba and make daily administration easier, alongside the 100% Japanese herbal supplement “JIN Power 100 (Powder),” which is currently attracting attention from cat owners.

■ Response at the Conference and Future Outlook

Despite the tight schedule during the conference, more than 350 veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and specialized researchers—representing approximately 80% of the estimated 450 attendees (excluding staff)—visited our booth.

We observed attendees asking enthusiastic questions, and our “approach to prompting veterinary visits using urine samples collected at home” and “the potential of evidence-based Japanese and Chinese herbal care” received extremely high praise and generated significant anticipation from the clinical community.

Based on the insights and feedback received from experts at this event, the JIN Research Institute will accelerate further research and development, aiming to establish a “preventive care ecosystem” where all dogs and cats can live healthy lives.

Furthermore, we plan to gradually unveil the research findings and product lines presented at this conference through events for pet owners and media outlets this fall.

■ Institute Overview

Institute Name: JIN-Katsu Research Institute (Operating Company: Hayashi Giken Co., Ltd.)

Representative: Motohiro Hayashi, Representative Director

Address: Room 606, Meiji-dori Building, 2-3-21 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021

Business Activities: Research, development, and sales of preventive care products and healthcare tools for pets

Official Website: https://lit.link/inutouki

Easily Request a Duplicate via Smartphone

[Natural Disasters Are No Longer Someone Else’s Problem]

Natural disasters have struck various regions, including Kumamoto and the Kanto region, causing extensive damage due to landslides and large-scale flooding.Since it can take anywhere from one week to several months for essential services to be restored and relief supplies to arrive, the importance of being prepared on a daily basis is growing. To promote the “phase-free” concept—which aims to reduce disaster damage by breaking down the barriers between everyday life and times of disaster—the government has begun holding discussions with experts.

[Worried About Parents Living Far Away? The “Denture Bank” Is Gaining Popularity Through Word of Mouth]

At Omamori Dentures Co., Ltd., which operates a dental laboratory in Sapporo, Hokkaido, inquiries about the “Denture Bank”—a service that allows people to prepare for emergencies using their everyday smartphones—are on the rise.Inquiries come from family members living apart from their parents—such as, “We’ve reached a point where the Nankai Trough earthquake could strike at any moment; is there a Denture Bank in Nagano Prefecture, where my mother lives?”—as well as from professionals working with the elderly, who ask, “Home care workers are also troubled by everyday losses; is there a Denture Bank dentist nearby?”

The Denture Bank is a free service that digitizes the shape of dentures and stores the data in the cloud on three servers located overseas; the entire process takes about 30 minutes. In the event of an emergency, a new set of dentures can be replicated immediately by phone using this data. While there is a fee for replication, the service is provided free of charge during large-scale disasters.Since April 2026, the service has been distributing miniature dentures equipped with IC chips free of charge to new users. When the miniature denture is held up to a smartphone, the user’s denture data number and the contact phone number for requests are displayed, allowing for immediate contact even in the event of a sudden loss.Since the included strap can be attached to a smartphone or keys, users who used to worry about not being able to find their contact information when it mattered most now say, “I always carry my smartphone with me, so I feel safe.”

Stay in Touch Anytime with Miniature Dentures

[Losing Your Teeth Can Be Life-Threatening]

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, one in five people lost their dentures—either because they were too startled by the sudden earthquake and fled in a panic without being able to take them, or because they were damaged after falling during evacuation.Although dental teams worked tirelessly to restore them, local dental clinics had also been damaged, and patient records were lost. As a result, dentures had to be remade from scratch, taking several months to deliver. During that time, poor oral hygiene persisted, and many elderly people, whose physical strength had declined, died from aspiration pneumonia.Our CEO sought a way to provide dentures quickly and began storing patient data in 2021 as a precautionary measure. While we hope nothing ever happens, we believe it’s essential to be prepared, so we made server and data storage fees free of charge.In 2023, we began collaborating with dental clinics nationwide as the “Denture Bank.” This collaboration among dental clinics—transcending prefectural boundaries and our own corporate network—is the first initiative of its kind in Japan. Currently, 18 dental clinics have joined the network, and 675 sets of denture data are stored in the cloud.

Dentures That Have Come Apart

[Denture Solutions That Give Both Parents and Children Peace of Mind]

A Message from the CEO: “Through my many years of working with the elderly, I’ve come to realize the importance of creating an environment where not only the patients themselves but also their families can feel at ease. In daily life, dentures can be left behind on trains, accidentally thrown away, or—in cases of dementia—flushed down the toilet. While making dentures requires multiple clinic visits, family members are the ones who accompany patients, even when they’re residing in care facilities.We’ve also developed the Denture Bank app to enable families to share denture information, so we can even receive calls from distant relatives requesting duplicates. We will continue to improve and develop our services so that as many people as possible can live their daily lives with peace of mind.”

We regularly hold free denture consultation sessions at the Asahikawa Station Plaza, where we also provide information about the Denture Bank.In addition to our next session scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, we plan to set up a booth at the “Wednesday, What Do You Think? Festival 2026,” which will be held at the Daiwa House Premist Dome in Sapporo from Friday, September 4, to Sunday, September 6.

Denture Bank = https://irebabank.com/

Asahikawa Denture Consultation Flyer

《Denture Bank Service Overview》

Services: Cleaning and sterilization of existing dentures, scanning with a 3D scanner,

　　　　　　　 cloud storage of the data

Fee: Free (scanning of denture shape data, cloud storage,

　　　　　　　 data retrieval)

Contact: 011-596-6685 (Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

How to Apply: Visit a partner dental clinic; shipping arrangements can also be made through the partner dental clinic

Partner Dental Clinics: 18 locations (Hokkaido, Gifu, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Shizuoka, Kyoto,

　　　　　　　 Osaka, Hyogo, Okayama, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa)

[Omamori Dentures Co., Ltd. – Company Overview]

Representative Director: Akira Ikeda

Business Activities: Denture Bank, denture fabrication, denture cleaning, and antibacterial treatment

Address: 3-12-2 Minami 2-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0062

　　　　　　 Tomii Building No. 37, 5th Floor

Phone Number: 011-596-8814 (Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

URL: https://omamoriireba.com/

The new flagship series from the grand relaunch. From left to right in the photo: Berries, Matcha Special, and Tropical.

■ 6th Anniversary. From a Soft-Serve Ice Cream Café to a Crêpe Café

“MIYASHITA CAFE +softcream” opened on August 4, 2020, alongside the opening of RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK. For the past six years, we have focused on serving our homemade soft-serve ice cream and Taiwanese castella.

Over these six years, as we’ve served customers from Japan and abroad visiting Shibuya, we’ve received numerous requests for “sweets you can enjoy while walking” and “substantial desserts.” As we explored ways to let customers savor the appeal of soft-serve ice cream for longer and more richly, we arrived at the conclusion that crepes were the answer.

We designed the crepe batter from scratch specifically to pair with soft-serve ice cream, and after two years of development, we finally perfected a recipe we’re proud of.

■The Stars of the Show: The Crepe Batter and Soft-Serve Ice Cream

We use plenty of grass-fed butter—made from the milk of cows raised on pasture—in the crepe batter. The result is an elegant, perfectly baked crepe that exudes the rich, natural aroma of butter and a light, lingering richness that doesn’t leave a heavy aftertaste. The thinly baked crepe releases the aroma of butter the moment you pick it up.

We carefully craft each piece by hand.

We top it with house-made soft serve from “DAIMYO SOFTCREAM,” a specialty soft-serve shop originating in Fukuoka. Made using an Italian machine, it features a fine, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Rich yet with a clean finish, it complements the butter’s flavor with every bite without overpowering it.

Our sauces are carefully prepared in-house using hand-selected French fruit purees, blended with fresh fruit. We use only high-quality chocolate that allows the distinct character of the cacao to shine through.

These crêpes don’t rely on excessive sweetness; instead, the natural flavors of the ingredients shine through.

A crepe featuring melt-in-your-mouth soft-serve ice cream and elegant grass-fed butter. Our menu is available at the counter.

■ Choose Your Soft-Serve Flavor: Create Your Perfect Crepe

You can choose the soft-serve flavor to be paired with your crêpe. We offer the classic and most popular “Premium Fresh Cream Milk,” the “Yame Matcha Soft-Serve” (a huge hit with international guests), and seasonal limited-edition flavors. Enjoy your favorite creation with a combination tailored to your taste. (We plan to offer “Black Sesame Soft-Serve” in September.)

Yame Matcha Soft-Serve: The “Yame Matcha Soft-Serve,” with its irresistibly refreshing tea aroma, is one of our staple flavors. We use Yame matcha from “Hoshino Sechaen.” Cultivated using traditional Hon-Gyokuro methods—“pursuing the essence and passing on authenticity”—this matcha is characterized by its fragrant aroma and rich flavor.It pairs perfectly with DAIMYO SOFTCREAM’s rich milk.

The “Yame Matcha Soft Serve” is also hugely popular with international visitors. It uses Yame matcha from “Hoshino Tea Garden.”

Black Sesame Soft Serve (Seasonal, September only): This soft serve is made with a generous amount of black sesame, and the unique texture and nutty aroma of the sesame pair exquisitely with the sweetness of the milk. It has been featured on TV in the past and is a hugely popular flavor.

The “Black Sesame Soft Serve,” available only in September. The toasty black sesame and the sweetness of the milk pair perfectly.

■New Lineup

[MIYASHITA Crepe Soft] A series featuring soft-serve ice cream as the star, layered with fruit and sauces

Butter Sugar: 1,404 yen

Butter Sugar Lemon: 1,512 yen

Berries　　　　　　: 1,728 yen

Tropical　　　　　: 1,728 yen

Chocolate　　　　： 1,728 yen

Fruit Mix　　　　　　: 1,890 yen

Matcha Special: 1,944 yen

*Prices shown include 8% consumption tax (10% consumption tax applies for dine-in orders)

[Simple Crepe] A series designed to let you savor the crepe batter and sauce on their own, without soft-serve ice cream

All crepes except the Matcha Special are also available as “Simple Crepes” without soft-serve ice cream. Enjoy the aroma and texture of the crepe batter and sauce on their own.

[Toppings]

You can add toppings such as nuts, chocolate, or strawberries to your liking.

*Prices and menu items are subject to change without notice.

■Store Overview

Store Name: MIYASHITA CAFE +softcream (Miyashita Cafe)

Address: RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South 2F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Phone Number: 03-6712-5650

Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)

Closed: Same as RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK

Access: About a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miyashitacafe_shibuya/

Enjoy a relaxing time in our calm and cozy atmosphere.

■Company Overview

Company Name: EFM Co., Ltd.

Address: 3-12-32 Otemon, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0074

Representative: Yoshifumi Sugiyama, Representative Director

Established: 2002

Business Activities: Restaurant Operations

URL: http://daimyosoftcream.com/

(Note 1) The photo was taken to showcase the menu item, so the cream is visible; the actual appearance of the dish may differ slightly from the photo.

Promotional Visual for the 6th Mineral Capital in Tokyo, Futako-Tamagawa

■What Kind of Event Is Mineral Capital?

Mineral Capital plans and operates mineral events based on the concept of “bringing smiles to all gem and mineral enthusiasts.” This event is designed so that not only regular mineral show attendees but also those who have never visited a mineral show before—including children—can enjoy the experience of “buying from gem and mineral professionals”! We look forward to seeing you there.

1. Discover Gems, Minerals, and Jewelry

Sixty-five stores specializing in gemstones, jewelry, and minerals will be exhibiting at the venue.

Feel free to ask our experts about the origins and rarity of gemstones.

Go with your gut! Or choose based on your birthstone or favorite color! We hope you’ll find that one-of-a-kind piece destined just for you.

Raw Diopside Crystals

Super Seven Loose Stones

Paraiba tourmaline ring

2. Get tools for observing gemstones and minerals

There are various tools available to help you fully appreciate the charm of gemstones and minerals.

Let’s use tools favored by professionals—such as 10x magnifying glasses, tweezers, LED lights, and UV lights—to peer into the inner world invisible to the naked eye.

Tools for Observing Gemstones and Minerals

3. Experience a Gemstone Workshop

Three workshops will be held at the venue.

Under the guidance of artisans, you can experience setting gemstones into authentic jewelry, cutting loose gemstones (the raw stones before they become jewelry), creating loose gemstones from scratch, or trying your hand at polishing.

Some workshops require reservations, while others are open to walk-ins on the day of the event, so be sure to give them a try.

Gemstone Cutting Experience

Jewelry Stone-Setting Experience

Here are some workshops that offer valuable experiences in just a short amount of time!

■ “Single-Face Crystal Polishing Experience” Taught by a Crystal Master

[Single-Face Crystal Polishing Experience]

In this experience, you’ll hold a highly transparent raw crystal from Brazil between your fingers and polish one of its faces. The moment the face you’ve polished yourself begins to sparkle will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. The session takes about 10 minutes, and elementary school students and older are welcome to participate.

Dates and Times: September 18 (Fri) – 20 (Sun)

*Walk-ins welcome. Duration: About 10 minutes (same-day participation allowed)

Highly Transparent Brazilian Quartz Rough Stones

Crystal Facet Polishing Experience

[Instructor]

Traditional Craftsman Tomohiko Ooyori

・Representative of Ooyori Gemstone Carving

・Representative of the jewelry brand TO LABO

・Representative of TO LABO shop&studio

・Third-generation head of Ooyori Precious Stone Carving

・Traditional Craftsman designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for “Koshu Crystal Gemstone Craft”

・Recipient of the Reiwa 6 “Master Craftsman of Yamanashi” Award

・Jewelry Master Certified by the Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture

・Part-time Lecturer at Yamanashi Prefectural College of Gemology and Fine Arts

・Part-time Lecturer at Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College, Osaka Campus

Traditional Craftsman Tomohiko Ooyori

■Gifts!! A special gift event to welcome all our visitors!

We have two gift promotions prepared for everyone visiting Mineral Capital.

Gift 1)

During the three days of Mineral Capital, the first 100 visitors each day will receive a 500-yen gift certificate. These “Mineral Tickets” can only be used for purchases within the venue, so please use them to enjoy your shopping.

*Please note that these vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash, and no change will be given, so please use them for purchases of 500 yen or more.

Mineral Ticket Sample

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Giveaway 2)

Each day, the 111th, 333rd, and 555th visitors will receive a “Crystal Polishing Experience” courtesy of Mineral Capital!

In this experience, you’ll hold a raw crystal in your fingers and polish one side. Open to elementary school students and up.

[Crystal Facet Polishing Experience]

Event Dates: September 18 (Fri) – September 20 (Sun)

*Duration: Approx. 10 minutes

Crystal Single-Face Polishing Experience 2

One-Side Crystal Polishing Experience 3

■Event Overview

The 6th Mineral Capital in Tokyo, Futako-Tamagawa

Date: Friday, September 18, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

　　　　 September 19 (Sat) 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

　　　　 September 20 (Sun) 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Location: Tamagawa Takashimaya Arena Hall & Arena Salon

　　　　 1F, Takashimaya S.C. West Wing, 3-17-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094

Admission: Free

URL: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/tamagawa/sc/arena/

Workshop Fee: 1,500 yen (tax included)

■ About Mineral Capital, a General Incorporated Association

Mineral Capital is a mineral event organizing group launched in 2022 under the concept of “bringing smiles to all stone enthusiasts.” We aim to move beyond the traditional concept of mineral shows and continually bring new ideas and collaborations to life.

Additionally, effective April 1, 2024, we have become “Mineral Capital, General Incorporated Association” and will continue to operate as a corporate entity.

[Organization Overview]

Company Name: Mineral Capital, General Incorporated Association

Headquarters: 2-10-32 Uozaki-Nakamachi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Representative Director: Hideyuki Matsui

Business Activities: Organizing mineral-related events

Established: April 2022

Website: https://minecapi.com/

URL: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4828207627/

A woman’s mind and body undergo various changes depending on her stage of life, including menstrual cramps, PMS, irregular periods, premenopause, menopause, fatigue, and sleep and mental health issues.

Regarding these conditions unique to women, this book focuses not merely on simple “fluctuations in female hormones,” but on the balance of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Drawing on her clinical experience as an obstetrician-gynecologist who has treated over 100,000 women, the author explains the concept of “hormonal balance”—essential knowledge for women to understand their own bodies and cope with the changes they experience at each stage of life.

Book Image

■Why Focus on “Hormonal Balance” Now?

A woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes throughout her life—from puberty to adulthood, through pregnancy and childbirth, to perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.

The concerns that arise vary by age, including menstrual cramps, PMS, irregular periods, irritability, low mood, fatigue, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms.

The author sees many women who, despite paying close attention to their diet and exercise, taking supplements, and visiting doctors, are troubled by the fact that their symptoms “show no sign of improvement.”

The author herself says that, through her clinical work with women, she began to question cases that could not be explained solely by the conventional view that “health issues arise from a decline in female hormones.”

Therefore, this book proposes a perspective that looks at the mind and body through the balance of multiple hormones, rather than simply viewing female hormones in terms of “high” or “low” levels.

Before resigning yourself to the idea that “it’s just part of aging” or “it’s because my hormones have declined,” first take the time to understand what is actually happening inside your body.

This book provides the knowledge and options women need to deepen their understanding of their own bodies and live more healthily and authentically at every stage of life.

■ Three Key Points of This Book

1. Estrogen Isn’t the Only Important Factor: Understanding the Female Body Through “Hormonal Balance”

In today’s world, many women suffer from symptoms such as menstrual cramps and PMS (premenstrual syndrome). The author points out that in many cases, an “excess” of the female hormone (estrogen) is a contributing factor behind these symptoms.

On the other hand, when it comes to perimenopause and menopause, it is not uncommon to see information suggesting that “discomfort arises because female hormones (estrogen) decrease” or that “it’s better to supplement the lost female hormones.”

However, the author believes that when considering a woman’s mind and body, it is important not to focus solely on the level of estrogen, but rather to examine the balance between estrogen and other hormones, particularly progesterone.

Drawing on her experience providing life support to over 100,000 people through a combination of Eastern and Western medicine, holistic care for women focused on hormonal health, and the cultivation of femininity, the author unravels the functions and interrelationships of estrogen and progesterone, and explains how to cope with various changes that occur during a woman’s life stages—such as menstrual cramps, PMS,anovulatory cycles, premenopause, and menopause—from the perspective of “hormonal balance.”

2. “You Can Reset Discomfort Caused by Synthetic Hormones!” A New Perspective on the Relationship Between the Birth Control Pill and a Woman’s Body

“I want to relieve my PMS symptoms,” “I want to avoid an unwanted pregnancy,” “I want to delay my period to fit my schedule”—

The birth control pill (oral contraceptive) is widely used as an option to fulfill these wishes. Recently, some junior high school girls have even been taking it to time their periods to coincide with entrance exams or athletic competitions.

While it may seem like a convenient medication at first glance, the author sounds the alarm that taking the pill is linked to hormonal imbalances and reduced ovulatory function.Furthermore, the author points out that even at low doses, the effects accumulate, and taking the pill at a young age or using it long-term often leads to health issues later on. She argues that it is essential to fully understand the impact that synthetic hormones in the pill have on both the mind and body.

The author emphasizes that recovery is possible even for those with a history of taking the pill, and that there is no need to give up simply because of one’s age. After understanding the pill’s effects and how it impacts the body, readers are encouraged to consider how they will care for their bodies moving forward. This book provides the knowledge necessary for that journey.

3. Understanding Your Hormonal Status Through Saliva Testing and Exploring “Natural Hormone Therapy” as an Option

The first step toward balancing your hormones is to understand your “current condition.” The author incorporates saliva hormone testing as a method to measure “active hormones”—the hormones that actually act within the body. This test allows for at-home sample collection and makes it easy to track daily hormonal fluctuations.

The author also incorporates “Natural Hormone Therapy” into her clinical practice. This approach is based on the philosophy advocated by Dr. John R. Lee, M.D., author of the national bestseller *Hormone Balance: What Doctors Don’t Know* and a renowned expert in hormone research.This therapy uses “natural hormones” derived from plant-based ingredients; because they have the same chemical structure as hormones produced by the body, they have no side effects.

This therapy has become widespread primarily in Europe, the United States, and Australia, and has been used by millions of women worldwide. The author studied Dr. Lee’s insights and was one of the first in Japan to adopt natural hormone therapy, tailored to the physical constitution and lifestyle habits of Japanese women. Following Dr. Lee’s passing, she has also collaborated with hormone researchers at Harvard University in the United States who carry on his legacy.

Understand your hormonal status and find the approach that’s right for you. This book presents a new option for women to engage with their own bodies.

■ Main Content and Table of Contents

This book consists of four chapters. It provides a multifaceted explanation of women’s minds and bodies from the perspective of “hormonal balance.”

Chapter 1: Hormonal Balance and Its Role in All Physical and Mental Discomforts in Women

Menstrual Cramps and PMS and Female Hormones / Symptoms That Appear When Hormonal Balance Is Disrupted / Estrogen and Progesterone / Anovulatory Menstruation / Premenopause / Menopause / Supplements and Natural Foods / Saliva Tests and Hormonal Balance / and more

Chapter 2: The Adverse Effects of the Birth Control Pill on the Mind and Body

What Happens Inside the Body When You Take the Pill? / Side Effects of the Pill You Should Know / Adolescent Bodies and Hormonal Balance / Resetting Your Body in 4 Months Even After Long-Term Pill Use / Case Studies / and more

Chapter 3: All Women’s Physical and Mental Health Issues Stem from Adrenal Fatigue

How the Adrenal Glands Work / Stress and the Adrenal Glands / Main Symptoms and Causes of Adrenal Fatigue / Reevaluating How You Use Your Energy / Stress Management / Diet / Low-Carb Diets and Fasting / Hydration and Salt Intake / Exercise and Stretching / The Recovery Process / Case Studies, and more

Chapter 4: Why I Recommend Natural Hormone Therapy

What I’ve Learned from My Clinical Experience as an OB-GYN / The Strengths of Natural Hormone Therapy / Changes Achieved Through Natural Hormone Therapy / Five Key Points of Natural Hormone Therapy / Regaining the Ability to Regulate Your Own Health / Steps You Can Take to Live a Positive Life / and more

■Author Profile

Aya Sasaki

Director of AYA Women’s Clinic. Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. Representative Director of the Natural Hormone Beauty Association (a general incorporated association).

She practiced obstetrics and gynecology at university hospitals and community hospitals in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. During her time as a staff physician, she gained extensive experience not only in obstetrics and gynecology but also in emergency medicine and the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), working across a wide range of women’s health and perinatal care settings.

She later studied endocrinology under an obstetrics and gynecology hormone researcher at Harvard University in the United States and introduced natural hormone therapy and salivary hormone testing to Japan. She opened AYA Women’s Clinic in 2016.

Through a holistic approach to women’s health—combining Eastern and Western medicine with hormone care—and by fostering the blossoming of women’s femininity, she has provided life support to more than 100,000 people in total.

Currently, in addition to providing medical care and conducting awareness campaigns centered on female hormones, she continues to give lectures and share information nationwide on topics such as menopause, alleviating physical discomfort, and healthy beauty.

Author Profile

■ Book Information

Title: *New Insights on Hormonal Balance: How Women Can Stay Beautiful Throughout Their Lives*

Author: Aya Sasaki

Release Date: August 29, 2026

Publisher: Hyogen-sha Co., Ltd.

List Price: 1,650 yen (tax included)

ISBN: 978-4-8282-0762-9

Available at bookstores nationwide, Amazon, and other online retailers.

■Amazon Purchase Page

"New Insights on Hormonal Balance: How Women Can Stay Beautiful for a Lifetime"

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4828207627/

Additionally, a preview event for media representatives will be held on Thursday, September 17, the day before the grand opening, and on Friday, September 18, the opening day, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held as part of the opening festivities.

“Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa,” the 37th location in Fukushima Prefecture, Grand Opening on Friday, September 18, at 11:00 a.m.!

■From mountain delicacies to seafood! A place where “delicious” comes together

Blessed with the temperature variations and abundant water of the Abukuma River basin, Ishikawa Town cultivates a diverse range of agricultural products, including apples, peaches, and rice. Since ancient times, it has thrived as a post town where people and goods have come and gone.

Today, taking advantage of the topography of this mid-mountainous region—blessed with abundant local resources such as cherry blossoms, minerals, and hot springs—the area captivates visitors with its bounty from both land and sea, including the “Ishikawa Honey Beef,” raised freely in a natural environment.

“Roadside Station Ishikawa” is a facility that showcases this regional abundance as innovative “cuisine” tailored to the modern era. Its farmers’ market features seasonal produce delivered directly from local growers and offers approximately 670 items, primarily products that highlight regional ingredients and local specialties. Additionally, at the “Sakura no Mori Shokudo” dining area,“Ishikawa Honey Beef” from Ishikawa Town, Fukushima Prefecture, seafood bowls featuring fresh local fish from the Joban coast, and dishes featuring “cabbage mochi”—a Fukushima specialty—all designed to reflect the region’s ingredients and culinary culture.In this area, which once served as a post town where mountain and sea delicacies were exchanged, we now bring you the region’s unique “delicacies” from “Roadside Station Ishikawa.”

■From dining spots where you can savor apples grown in the rich natural surroundings and the town’s own brand beef, to bakeries and specialty dessert shops!

The restaurant features locally produced brand beef and other specialty apples!

At the “Sakura no Mori Shokudo” restaurant, we offer a menu that lets you fully savor the culinary charms of Ishikawa Town, including the “Sukiyaki Rice Bowl,” which combines “Ishikawa Honey Beef” and “Kaguya-hime Eggs,” and the “Umi-Yama Dekka-i Rice Bowl,” where you can enjoy both Fukushima’s local seafood and mountain delicacies all at once.In addition, the bakery sells items packed with apples, such as “fresh donuts” and “curry bread.”Furthermore, the specialty sweets shop dedicated to apples offers items like the “Round Apple Pie” filled with chunky apple pieces. With carefully crafted souvenirs and limited-edition gourmet items that make the most of local ingredients—from mountain to sea—this place is brimming with unique delights you can only experience here. Be sure to enjoy these items, perfect as mementos of your trip.

While the farmers’ market features agricultural products—including apples and rice grown in the Abukuma River basin’s favorable climate and pure water—the retail area offers approximately 670 items. The lineup centers on products developed using local specialties such as apples and peaches, including souvenirs, prepared foods,boxed lunches, and various processed foods.

Details on each product and menu item will be announced in the second press release, scheduled for future distribution.

*All images are for illustrative purposes only.

■ Facility Features

・We offer a wide variety of “exclusive gourmet items” unique to Ishikawa Town, grown in the rich natural environment of the Abukuma River basin and mountainous regions—such as Fukushima’s specialty “apples” and “Ishikawa Honey Beef”!

・In the retail area, in addition to agricultural products (such as apples and rice) sourced directly from local producers, we’ll feature a wide selection of station-exclusive items from bakeries and specialty dessert shops that primarily use local ingredients!

・The dining area, with approximately 75 seats, features “Sakura no Mori Shokudo,” where you can fully savor the charm of Ishikawa Town and Fukushima while enjoying the appeal of local ingredients through a variety of dishes—including menus featuring an abundance of the town’s specialty apples, “sukiyaki rice bowls” made with locally produced brand beef, and seafood bowls packed with fresh local fish!

■ Media Preview / Pre-Opening / Grand Opening: Event Overview

・Media Preview

Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Eligibility: Media representatives only

・Pre-Opening

Date and Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Target Audience: General Public (Town Residents)

・Grand Opening

Date and Time: Friday, September 18, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Program: 10:00 AM – Station Opening Ceremony (scheduled to include remarks by the town mayor, congratulatory speeches by guests of honor, ribbon-cutting, etc.)

　　　11:00 AM – Grand Opening

Target Audience: Media Representatives, General Public

■ Facility Overview

Name: Michi-no-Eki Ishikawa

Address: 58-1 Ohashi, Ishikawa-machi, Ishikawa District, Fukushima Prefecture

Area: Approximately 20,000 m²

Parking Capacity: 170 standard vehicles, 14 large vehicles, 3 spaces for people with disabilities, 2 priority spaces

Facility Amenities: 29 restrooms / Information center, rest areas, tourist information center,

　　　　　　　 Baby Care Area, Emergency Power Supply, Water Reservoir, Public Wi-Fi,

　　　　　　　 Retail facilities, dining facilities, lawn area, dog park, EV charging stations

Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Facility Management: Sakura no Mori Co., Ltd.

Official Website: https://www.michinoeki-isikawa.com

■ Facility Management and Operation

Designated Manager: TTC Co., Ltd.

Representative: Yasuyuki Kawagoe, Representative Director

Address: 686 Kamitaga, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Main Business Activities: Planning, development, wholesale, and sales of brand-name products, as well as quality control;

　　　　　　　 development and operation of brand stores, regional revitalization consulting,

　　　　　　　 general store production, development and operation of food theme parks,

　　　　　　　 operation of roadside stations; planning, development, wholesale, and retail of tourist souvenirs;

　　　　　　　 planning, development, wholesale, and retail of beauty and health-related products,

　　　　　　　 Accommodation and hot spring businesses; sixth-sector business (agriculture)

Official Website: https://www.ttc-gr.co.jp/

Facility Operator: Sakura no Mori Co., Ltd. (a wholly-owned local subsidiary of TTC Co., Ltd.)

Representative: President and CEO Takahito Kawagoe

Address: 284 Aza-Kanosaka, Ishikawa-machi, Ishikawa District, Fukushima Prefecture

Main Business Activities: Management and operation of the “Ishikawa” Roadside Station (scheduled to open on September 18, 2026),

　　　　　　　 Development, manufacturing, and sale of tourist souvenirs,

　　　　　　　 processing and sale of crafts and folk art, sale of food products, restaurant management,

　　　　　　　 Operations related to regional trading company business

Official Website: https://www.sakuranomori-fukushima.com/

Exhibited Works: unicouniuni3

Neko Yasumi Exhibition Official Page: http://tgs.jp.net/neko-break-official

Neko Yasumi Exhibition Fall 2026 Special Page: http://tgs.jp.net/event/neko-break-nagoya

■ Popular Star Cats Gather in Nagoya! Enjoy an Autumn “Neko Yasumi” with New Artworks and Limited-Edition Merchandise

The venue will feature a grand gathering of works showcasing star cats who enjoy immense popularity, particularly on social media. With an exhibition focused primarily on new works, you can enjoy the adorable expressions of each cat and those everyday moments that will make you smile.

Highlights include “Uni-chan (@unicouniuni3),” who boasts 570,000 followers on X; “Mugimeshi-ya (@mugimeshi323),” who shares life with three uniquely charming cats and has over 480,000 Instagram followers;and “Guppy (@gupitaro),” who has garnered over 580,000 Instagram followers with his plump body and expressive face—all familiar and popular cats.

Through a variety of works brimming with each cat’s unique personality, you can experience the distinctive world of the “Neko Yasumi Exhibition”—a world that offers something a little different from what you’d find on social media.

<< “Jinpachi” & “Maru” Make Their Debut at the Nagoya Venue!! >>

One cat to watch as a rising star is “Jinpachi (@jinpachi_neko),” who’s popular for his unique style of wearing paper bags as if they were clothes. He’s gained a following of over 350,000 Instagram followers thanks to his humorous everyday moments and distinctive presence.Also making an appearance is “Maru (@marumaru06260908),” whose charm lies in his short legs and round eyes. Through works capturing his endearing gestures and expressions, you can fully enjoy the distinct charms of these two cats.

Jinpachi: Instagram “@jinpachi_neko”

　　　　 https://www.instagram.com/jinpachi_neko/

Maru: Instagram “@marumaru06260908”

　　　　 https://www.instagram.com/marumaru06260908/

■It’s Not Just an Exhibition! Two Special Pop-Up Events by Popular Creators Are Also Coming!!

At the Nagoya venue, we’ll be hosting two special pop-up events where you can dive deeper into the worlds of popular creators. These special events take place in a dedicated space featuring new releases and a wide variety of items, offering you the chance not only to “view” the works but also to enjoy the fun of “choosing” your favorites.

<< Introducing “Nyan-ya Café,” Brought to Life by Adorable Cats! >>

A pop-up event by “Nyan-ya no Danran (@nyan__q),” a creator famous for her handmade cat-themed ceramic pieces, is coming to the event.

At the special booth, new ceramic pieces themed around “Nyan-ya Café” will be on display. The collection features adorable cats paired with motifs like sunflowers and sweets. One of the highlights is the unique charm of each piece—handmade with distinct expressions. Since all items will be available in limited quantities, be sure to enjoy the thrill of finding your perfect match.

<<Over 100 varieties on display! “Cats in the room.” Special Pop-Up Event!!>>

We’re also hosting a special pop-up event featuring the popular creator “Cats in the room. (@mimumoco),” who depicts the everyday lives of cats living peaceful lives.

The venue will feature a lineup of approximately 100 different postcards, ranging from popular archive pieces to brand-new works. This special space invites you to take your time browsing through the vast collection to find your perfect match. Come experience the world of these cats—with their nostalgic, gentle charm—and the unique joy of selecting a one-of-a-kind piece right at the venue.

■ A treat just for visitors! Original giveaways and secret designs may also make an appearance!?

Visitors will receive a limited-edition “Neko Yasumi-ten Autumn 2026” original postcard.

Plus, if you take photos inside the venue and post them on social media, we’ll give you a limited-edition original sticker. In addition to the standard designs, a limited-quantity “secret design” is also scheduled to appear. Which design you’ll receive is a surprise to be revealed on the day of the event. These limited-edition items are the perfect memento of your visit to the Nagoya venue.

[How to Participate]

Take a photo of the venue and post it on Instagram or X with the hashtag “#NekoYasumiTen.” Please show the post screen to the staff at the reception desk.

*You must also follow our official social media accounts.

*You cannot choose the type of sticker.

*Since each giveaway is available in limited quantities, the offer ends when supplies run out.

■ A Collection of Cat Goods You Can Only Find Here

A collection of cat-themed works that are not just cute, but full of personality. We’ve prepared a wide variety of goods you’ll want to collect, including limited-edition items by popular creators and much-talked-about pieces. Be sure to discover your favorites at the venue.

<Gosenyu Fukushima>

・Acrylic Keychain: 935 yen

・Collage Series Notepad: 550 yen

・Angel Series Masking Tape (30mm wide) 880 yen

・Collage Series Masking Tape (30mm wide) 880 yen

・Drawing Series Masking Tape (20mm wide) 880 yen

・Angel Series Flat Pouch: 2,750 yen

・Drawing Series Triangular Pouch: 2,970 yen

・Tree of Life Cat A4 Clear File: 495 yen

・Collage Series A5 Clear File: 462 yen

・Shisha A5 Clear File: 462 yen

・Drawing Series Card: 275 yen

<Family Time at the Nyan House>

・Café Waiter (Large) 7,700 yen

・Café Employee (Small) 5,500 yen

<Cats in the Room>

・Rusty Cat Pins (various types) 1,100 yen

・Acrylic Stands (various types) 1,700 yen

・Acrylic Keychains (various types) 770 yen

<Cat Bamboo>

・Cat Whiskers Pouch (Price TBD)

・Glasses & Smartphone Cleaners (Price TBD)

・Cat Butt Brooch (Price TBD)

・Illustrated Resin Brooches (Price TBD)

<Tomosakasu>

・15th Anniversary Letter Set: 2,200 yen

・Amulet-Style Keychain: 990 yen

・Flake Stickers: Black Mashimaro: 550 yen

・Flake Stickers: Guide Riripopo – 550 yen

・Lilipopo Maneki-neko Acrylic Stand: 770 yen

<Apple Coco>

・“Are You Wearing a Headscarf?” Bag Charm: 3,080 yen

・Various Terracotta & Cat Items: 2,750 yen

・Clay Charms: Starting at 1,320 yen

・Clay Earrings & Studs: 3,300 yen

<Natsumi Otsuka>

・Notepads (double-sided, 20 sheets) 600 yen

・A5 Clear File: 600 yen

・Stickers: 500 yen

・Rose-Patterned Memo Set (30 sheets) 600 yen

・Mini Framed Illustration: 600 yen

・Original Artwork (various types) starting at 6,000 yen

<Hitomi>

・“The Phantom of the Opera Nya” Earrings & Piercings: 3,300 yen

・Ghost Girl Earrings & Piercings: 2,200 yen

・Chocolate Cat Earrings & Piercings: 3,300 yen

・Cat Dumpling Brooch: 2,200 yen

・Nyactel Earrings/Pierced Earrings: 4,400 yen

<Isuzudo>

・Kimono Cat: 11,440 yen

・Fukuju Maneki-neko: 6,600 yen

<Ginger Syrup>

・Thief Cat (Pierced Earrings & Clip-On Earrings) 4,730 yen

＜nemunoki paper items＞

・Various Masking Tapes: Starting at 715 yen

・Lunch Tote Bag: 2,200 yen

・Pencil Case: 1,540 yen

・Notepads: 550 yen

・Notepad Set: 660 yen

・Passport notebook set: 1,210 yen

・Cleaning Cloth: 715 yen

<cocomerocat>

・Stamps: Starting at 800 yen

・Stainless Steel Bottle: 3,000 yen

・T-shirt: 3,800 yen

<necomilk>

・Cat Toast Keychain (Fruit) — Large: 1,540 yen / Small: 1,340 yen

・Cat-in-a-Croissant Keychain: 1,540 yen

・Cat French Cruller Keychain: 1,650 yen

・Cat Dorayaki Charm: 660 yen

・Cat Toast Keychain: 1,540 yen

<Atelier Runon>

・Seasonal Cats: Star-Collecting Brooch: 3,520 yen

・Seasonal Cat: Various Brooches, starting at 2,750 yen

・Seasonal Cats: Assorted Seasonal Hair Clips: 4,180 yen

<Soraneko>

・Space Cat Hairpin Standing Under a Moonlit Night ~Gazing at the Brightest Stars~: 2,200 yen

<nyaigs>

・Women’s Socks: 836 yen

・Cat Paracharm: 3,970 yen

<Aoi Tori>

・Whimsical Cat Calendar 2027: 1,540 yen

*The items listed above are just a selection of upcoming releases.

*All prices include tax

[Exhibition Overview]

Exhibition Title: Joint Cat Photography and Merchandise Exhibition “Neko Yasumi-ten: Fall 2026”

Dates: September 19, 2026 (Sat) – October 12, 2026 (Mon, Holiday)

Hours: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Closed: Every Monday and Tuesday

　　　　　 *The museum will be open on September 21 (Mon, Holiday), September 22 (Tue, Holiday), and October 12 (Mon, Holiday).

　　　　　 *The gallery will be closed on Thursday, September 24 as a substitute holiday.

Venue: TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO.

　　　　　 1-17-12 Shin-ei, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 460-0007

Admission: 700 yen / Free for children 3 years old and under

Exhibitors: 53 groups

Organizer: BACON Co., Ltd.

URL: http://tgs.jp.net/event/neko-break-nagoya

*The above information is tentative and subject to change.

■ What is the “Neko Yasumi Exhibition”?

This is a joint photo and merchandise exhibition bringing together popular cat creators, both professional and amateur. Many famous cats that have gained popularity on X and Instagram will be featured, and the exhibitors’ combined social media following exceeds 3 million.The venue is packed with works that warm your heart just by looking at them and handmade goods that soothe the soul simply by gazing at them.At “TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO.” (Asakusabashi, Tokyo), a gallery organized by BACON Co., Ltd., the event has attracted over 2 million visitors since the summer of 2015. Many of the exhibitors are creators active primarily online, and the event has garnered attention as a rare opportunity to see their work in person.

■About BACON Co., Ltd.

The company proposes exhibition plans aimed at organizing, promoting, and popularizing high-quality exhibitions both domestically and internationally, as well as increasing visitor numbers and enhancing brand image. It produces events from start to finish, handling everything from negotiations with artists to interior design, exhibition layout, artwork printing, and advertising and promotion.

URL: https://bacon.in.net

■About TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO.

Opened in Asakusabashi in July 2014. With the goal of promoting art, the gallery has organized numerous original exhibitions, including “Ambiguous☆Beautiful Girls Art Exhibition,” “Changing Ruins VS Accessible Factory Nightscapes Exhibition,” and “Flat Nose Exhibition.”The “World of Thigh Photography” exhibition, held during the 2016 Golden Week holiday, attracted over 20,000 visitors. With its flagship event, the “Cat Break Exhibition,” having surpassed a cumulative total of 2 million visitors—including regional venues—it has become Tokyo’s most talked-about event gallery. In addition to Tokyo, it has opened a permanent gallery in Nagoya.

URL: https://tgs.jp.net

We express our heartfelt gratitude for the warm friendship and support extended to him during his lifetime, and respectfully announce his passing.

In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, a private wake and funeral service were held with close family members. We respectfully request that condolence visits, flowers, offerings, and monetary gifts be declined.

The Late Shigeyuki Fukasawa

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Kotobuki Seating Co., Ltd.

Founded: December 1914 (Taisho 3)

Incorporated: July 2010 (Heisei 22)

Address: 1-2-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Keiko Fukazawa, Representative Director

Business Activities: Public facility furniture business /

　　　　　 Manufacture and sale of furniture for cultural, sports, and educational facilities, as well as assembly halls

　　　　　 Capsule Bed Business / Manufacture and sale of capsule beds for lodging and napping

　　　　　 as well as the import and export of these products

URL: https://www.kotobuki-seating.co.jp/en/

The MOU was signed on August 17, 2026. The signing ceremony was held in a hybrid format and was attended by Ignacio Gavilan, Food Systems Partnerships Senior Director of GFN, and Kei Saito, Chief Secretary of WINA. Also attending were Yuji Shibata, Director of the Alliance of Japan Foodbanks and CEO of Second Harvest Japan and Hiroaki Yoneyama, Chairperson, National Association for Promotion of Food Bank, both of which are GFN partner food banks in Japan. 

In 2025, WINA established WINA DAY on August 25, the anniversary of the invention of instant noodles, to promote social contribution initiatives by its member companies. 

Under the theme “Sharing is Caring with Instant Noodles”, WINA DAY 2026 is set to expand WINA’s longstanding efforts beyond disaster-relief. Through its collaboration with GFN, WINA will help address food insecurity by providing continuous support for affected communities. 

From left: Hiroaki Yoneyama, National Association for Promotion of Food Bank; Yuji Shibata, Alliance of Japan Foodbanks and Second Harvest Japan; Ignacio Gavilan, The Global FoodBanking Network; and Kei Saito, World Instant Noodles Association. 

■Background to the MOU 

Since 2008, WINA and its member companies have provided instant noodles to communities affected by earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other natural disasters. Between 2008 and 2026, WINA has delivered approximately 8.1 million servings of instant noodles to disaster-affected communities in 21 countries and regions. 

However, beyond times of crisis, economic hardship and other challenges limit reliable access to food for many people and families. WINA believes that instant noodles can play a meaningful role within assisting efforts to improve food security because they are shelf-stable, easy to prepare, and widely enjoyed. 

GFN works through a global network of food banks and nonprofit partners to help deliver food to individuals and families in need. Through this partnership, WINA will leverage GFN’s network to expand the delivery of instant noodles to communities facing food insecurity around the world. 

■Message from Koki Ando, Chairman of WINA 

President & Representative Director, CEO, Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd. 

“Since WINA became a general incorporated association in 2025, we have been working to expand the reach of our support to regions and people who have not received sufficient assistance in the past. Under the theme of WINA DAY 2026, ‘Sharing is Caring with Instant Noodles,’ we are pleased to advance our collaboration with GFN, which has an extensive international food banking network. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver instant noodles to people in need while helping more people recognize the value that instant noodles provide, including their long shelf life, ease of preparation, and great taste. 　 

This initiative goes beyond food assistance alone. It is an important step toward enabling our member companies and the instant noodle industry as a whole to contribute to addressing social challenges through food.” 

■Comment from Ms. Lisa Moon, President and CEO, The Global FoodBanking Network 

“We look forward to working with WINA and its member companies to expand food donations, strengthen disaster preparedness across our network and develop sustainable solutions that reduce food loss while improving food access for vulnerable communities. Together, we can help ensure that surplus food reaches those who need it most, creating a more resilient and equitable food system.” 

＜About The Global FoodBanking Network（GFN）＞ 

The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is an international nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to help end hunger through food banking. Working with partners in more than 50 countries, GFN collaborates with food companies and other stakeholders to provide food to families, children, older adults, and other people facing economic hardship. 

In 2025, GFN helped provide food assistance to more than 40.5 million people, contributing to improved access to food and the reduction of food loss and waste. 

[GFN Website]

https://www.foodbanking.org

＜About the World Instant Noodles Association（WINA）＞ 

The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) is a global industry association founded in 1997 to promote quality improvement and the responsible growth of the instant noodle industry, while contributing to food culture around the world. WINA comprises 104 member companies and organizations from 20 countries and regions. 

WINA shares information of common interest across the industry to help ensure that consumers can enjoy instant noodles safely and with confidence. In addition to its ongoing activities, WINA organizes meetings and events that facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among members, promotes quality improvement across the industry, and advances social contribution initiatives through instant noodles. 

[WINA Website]

https://instantnoodles.org/en/

[WINA DAY Website]

https://instantnoodles.org/en/sustainability/winaday/

CAP Surveys is an external quality assessment program in  which clinical laboratories from around the world participate. Participating  facilities report the variants (genetic mutations) they detect in a common set  of samples; in addition to an evaluation of their accuracy, the program  provides statistical comparison results within a peer group of facilities using  the same reagents and sequencers. Through our participation in this program in  the field of genetic disease testing, our laboratory has objectively verified  both the accuracy of our variant detection results and our level of testing  precision compared to similar testing facilities in Japan and abroad.

The evaluation covered 48 variants in the "NGS-A  2026" program (CAP Number: 7814583-01, Kit Number: 40910991), all of which  received an "Acceptable" rating.

Our laboratory has set CAP accreditation as a future goal  (targeted for 2027–2028), and our participation in this survey is part of our  efforts to strengthen our quality management system toward achieving that goal.

[About Our Laboratory]

Our laboratory has established a system that allows us to handle the entire process—from specimen receipt to analysis and the preparation of the final report—in-house without outsourcing any steps, enabling us to perform testing for hereditary diseases.Regarding specimens, in addition to collection via the non-invasive iSWAB (buccal swab), we have also begun accepting blood specimens collected through venipuncture, allowing patients to choose the optimal collection method based on their condition and the purpose of the test.In particular, since iSWAB does not involve blood collection, it places minimal physical burden on patients, and because collection and transport are straightforward, it enables testing in a wide range of settings, including for elderly patients, children, and home healthcare settings.This CAP survey is one of our initiatives to objectively verify, against international standards, the accuracy of the test results provided under this integrated system.

[Comment from Junichi Hosokawa, Representative Director]

“Through our participation in this CAP Survey, we were able to objectively confirm that our laboratory’s NGS-based mutation detection results meet international accuracy standards, as evidenced by a mutation detection accuracy of 100% and a specificity of 100%. We will continue to refine our quality management system as we work toward obtaining CAP accreditation.”

[About CAP Surveys (Proficiency Testing Program)]

This is an external quality assessment program for clinical laboratories provided by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), in which laboratories worldwide participate to mutually compare and verify the accuracy of their test results.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Generize Co., Ltd.

Address: 1-8-15 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture

　　　　　　 Room 307, Chiba University Inohana Innovation Plaza

Representative Director: Junichi Hosokawa

Business Activities: Genetic testing services, bioinformatics analysis

URL: https://generize.co.jp/en/top/

Coffee grounds, which are generated in large quantities worldwide, cause serious environmental impacts, including methane gas generation during landfill disposal, CO2 emissions during incineration, and water pollution resulting from improper disposal. Since they contain substances that inhibit plant growth if left untreated, measures such as recycling them into fuel or building materials, or proper composting, are urgently needed.

However, while coffee grounds are generated in large quantities at factories that produce coffee beverages, establishments that serve coffee do not typically produce significant amounts. Consequently, collection and transportation pose challenges for recycling efforts. The company’s “Hi-Mimosa” system uses proprietary enzymes to rapidly break down organic waste through biological oxidation, enabling complete on-site disposal.

■ Features of “Hi-Mimosa”

・No Odor, No Wastewater

The major issues with organic waste (especially food waste) treatment are odor and the water generated. Conventional treatment systems adsorbed odors using activated carbon and other materials, while the water was evaporated using heating elements.Hi-Mimosa operates without deodorization units or heaters, so these problems do not occur. Furthermore, most so-called “elimination devices” are unable to process waste all the way through gasification and instead flush away the remaining residue with water. Hi-Mimosa is an ultra-high-speed solid-phase bio-oxidation reactor, eliminating the need to flush waste with water.

・Decomposition and Elimination via Biological Oxidation

Using proprietary enzymes, it rapidly decomposes organic waste such as coffee grounds and food scraps, and by combining this with water evaporation, it achieves nearly complete elimination.

■ Coffee Grounds Treatment Test

We loaded 5 kg of coffee grounds into the Hi-Mimosa test unit.

Mimosa Test Unit

Coffee grounds to be processed

Loading coffee grounds

Verification of the amount loaded

24 hours later

Coffee grounds treatment results: We confirmed that even coffee grounds with high moisture content can be completely eliminated without any issues.

Although we verified the treatment 24 hours later, a visual inspection suggested the coffee grounds had been fully processed within 12 hours.

■ Benefits of Coffee Grounds Processing

Not only coffee grounds but also tea leaves with high moisture content are prone to decay, making efficient transportation difficult. Furthermore, transporting them to recycling facilities poses challenges in terms of transportation costs and CO₂ emissions.

Since locations where coffee grounds are generated likely also produce large amounts of food waste, it is possible to use Hi-Mimosa to dispose of both coffee grounds and food waste together.Preventing the disposal of food waste helps alleviate the burden on municipal incineration facilities (which burn hard-to-burn food waste using fossil fuels) and contributes to CO₂ reduction by avoiding incineration.

The Hi-Mimosa product lineup includes a unit capable of processing up to 5,000 liters, making it suitable for managing large volumes of coffee grounds and tea leaves generated at beverage factories.

■ “Hi-Mimosa” for Home Use: Solving Municipal Food Waste Incineration Problems

In Japan, waste separation has become so extensive that much of the waste collected at municipal incinerators consists of high-moisture food waste, which requires large amounts of fossil fuels to incinerate.

The WEF is considering the installation of Hi-Mimosa units in each household as one solution to this problem.If compact “Hi-Mimosa” units are installed in every household, there will be no need to transport heavy, high-moisture waste to collection sites; transportation from collection sites to treatment facilities will also be reduced; and the most problematic issue—combustion challenges in incinerators—will be resolved.

Residential “Hi-Mimosa”

*WEF is seeking companies to jointly develop, manufacture, and sell the household “Hi-Mimosa.”

■Company Overview

Company Name: WEF Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Representative: Akira Aoyama, Representative Director

Address: 1-19-15 Do, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Established: July 2016

Business Activities: Water treatment, waste recycling, development and sales of magnesium-related technologies

URL: https://aoyama-wefit.com

　　　　　 https://mgworld.aoyama-wefit.com (Magnesium World)

Premium Model: Happiness Is

In this series, we expand the concept of Mitsuo Aida’s heartfelt words from “works to be read” to “art that enriches daily life,” proposing a new way to enjoy “calligraphy” through designs and framing techniques unique to a professional frame manufacturer.

The Modern and Premium models feature the Good Design Award-winning frames “LEAN” (2019) and “Crets” (2024). With sophisticated designs that highlight the artwork and high functionality, these frames can be enjoyed as interior accents that harmonize with a variety of spaces, including homes, offices, and retail stores.

■ Bringing the Culture of Displaying Calligraphy Closer to You.

Japan has a long-standing culture of displaying hanging scrolls and calligraphy. However, in recent years, due to changes in housing styles and lifestyles, opportunities to display calligraphy in daily life have become less common.

At the same time, the culture of enjoying art and photography as interior décor is growing.

Aluna sought to propose a new way to enjoy calligraphy as a contemporary interior design element, leveraging the framing techniques and design expertise we have cultivated since our founding.

The works of Mitsuo Aida—with their gentle reflections on life and human connections—have long provided solace to many people’s hearts.

We have commercialized these works as a framing collection that emphasizes design and quality, so that people can naturally encounter these words in their daily lives and find a moment to reflect.

■ A New Beauty in Framing, Brought to Life by a Good Design Award-Winning Frame

The modern models being released this time feature the “LEAN” frame—a Good Design Award-winning product from Arna’s original “ALUMIUM Series.”

The simple, sophisticated design not only highlights the artwork itself but also blends naturally into various spaces, such as homes, offices, and hotels.

Furthermore, the premium “Kuretsu” model employs a float framing technique that raises the artwork approximately 8 mm off the backing. This creates a three-dimensional effect that makes the calligraphy appear to float in space, delivering a new viewing experience.

All products feature UV-protective acrylic and a logo plate supervised by the Mitsuo Aida Museum, combining beauty and quality.

The Late Mitsuo Aida

■Product Lineup

“Standard Model”

Price: 7,700 yen (tax included)

A warm and inviting standard model featuring an antique-style frame.

https://aluna.co.jp/products/products-8982/

Standard Model 7,700 yen (tax included)

"Modern Model"

Price: 13,200 yen (tax included)

Features the Good Design Award-winning “ALUMIUM Series LEAN.”

A premium model that harmonizes with simple, modern interiors.

https://aluna.co.jp/products/products-8983/

Modern Model 13,200 yen (tax included)

"Premium Model"

Price: 18,700 yen (tax included)

Features “Kuretsu,” a Good Design Award-winning product.

The float framing, which raises the artwork approximately 8 mm off the surface, creates a sense of depth and luxury. Suitable for both tabletop display and wall mounting.

https://aluna.co.jp/products/products-8984/

Premium Model 18,700 yen (tax included)

■Release Overview

Release Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Where to Buy: Arna Official Online Store

　　　　 https://aluna-frame.myshopify.com/collections/%E7%9B%B8%Product Specifications

■About Aluna Co., Ltd.

Aluna Co., Ltd. is a picture frame manufacturer headquartered in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. Since its founding, the company has continued to produce high-quality picture frames based on the philosophy of “enriching daily life through picture frames.”

In recent years, the company has launched the “ALUMIUM Series,” an aluminum frame brand that has won domestic and international design awards such as the Good Design Award and the iF Design Award. These frames are used in a wide range of spaces, including hotels, commercial facilities, sports facilities, and art museums.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Aluna Co., Ltd.

Representative: Takeshi Yukiyama, President and CEO

Headquarters Address: Room 7, Shimane Building 22, 2-2-2 Higashi-Kawaguchi, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture 333-0801

Factory Address: 551-7 Kamidoko, Hiyamizu-cho, Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima Prefecture 895-0053

Established: July 1, 1967

Business Activities: Planning, manufacturing, and sales of picture frames

URL: https://aluna.co.jp/

Good Design Award Logo

■ Comments from the Development Team

“Picture frames are not merely for protecting artwork. They bring out the artwork’s appeal to the fullest and enhance the value of the entire space.

With this product, we have reimagined the ‘culture of displaying calligraphy’ to suit modern interiors, so that more people can enjoy the words of Mitsuo Aida in their daily lives.

We hope to deliver products that bring a sense of calm to your heart every time you see them.”

Helping Mature Men Dress Stylishly

In today’s world, where work styles and lifestyles are becoming increasingly diverse, bags are evolving from “business tools” to “items for self-expression and personal style.”GALLERIANT is confronting this shift head-on, evolving into a brand that creates products which highlight the mature allure and elegance of adult men, all while upholding its core DNA. As the first initiative of the reimagined GALLERIANT, the brand plans to launch a pre-release project for its new collection this fall (scheduled for around August–September) on the crowdfunding platform “Makuake.”

Make your adult getaway even more stylish. The new GALLERIANT—chosen for its sophistication

■ Background and Vision Behind the Rebranding

GALLERIANT has garnered widespread support through its reliable craftsmanship, winning the “Bag of the Year 2021–22” Excellence Award for its high quality and functionality—which have been recognized even by professionals.

However, the roles expected of bags have changed significantly over time.We have returned to our roots, pursuing “what we truly want to create—items that make mature men look cool”—and have revitalized the brand’s direction. While retaining the strengths of our classic designs, we are embarking on a new challenge as a reimagined GALLERIANT that embodies mature allure and self-expression.

■ Four Key Features of the New GALLERIANT

Feature 1: Winner of the “Bag of the Year 2021-22” Excellence Award—The Brand’s Proven Quality

Uncompromising material selection, superior craftsmanship, and high functionality form the foundation of GALLERIANT. This proven DNA has been passed down to every product in the reborn GALLERIANT collection. We deliver our commitment to quality—as evidenced by our prestigious awards—in an even more evolved form.

Feature 2: Evolving into “Bags That Let Mature Men Dress Stylishly”

Featuring sophisticated designs that do more than just carry your belongings—they complete your look and enhance the allure of the mature man. We’ve carefully curated our existing business line and added a touch of playfulness that shines on days off and in business-casual settings.

Feature 3: A Unique Aesthetic That Transcends the Boundaries Between Business and Casual

We offer a unique lineup that enhances mature charm in every setting—from formal suit styles to relaxed weekend attire. Suitable for any occasion, these bags elevate the wearer’s individuality.

Feature 4: Prologue: New Product Pre-launch Project Planned for This Fall on “Makuake”

Symbolizing the reborn GALLERIANT, we will be releasing a new bag—the culmination of our efforts—exclusively on the crowdfunding platform “Makuake” this fall (scheduled for August–September). Detailed designs and information on our carefully selected materials will be revealed sequentially on our official social media channels and website.

From business to leisure: Casual bags for adults

■ For People Like This

・Men in their 30s to 50s who want to enjoy bags as a fashion statement

・Men who want to “dress stylishly” not only for business but also for leisure and business-casual occasions

・Mature men who value not only functionality but also design, quality, and a distinctive aesthetic

■ Future Plans

While expanding brand awareness, we will launch a pre-sale project for our new collection on “Makuake” this fall (around August–September). Following that, we plan to gradually roll out general sales through our own online store and physical retail locations, and we intend to continuously introduce attractive items that elevate the lifestyle of mature men.

■ Brand Overview

Brand Name: GALLERIANT

Awards: Received the Excellence Award at the Bag of the Year 2021–22

New Concept: Bags that allow mature men to dress stylishly

Features: High quality based on reliable materials and sewing techniques.

　　　　　　　　A unique aesthetic that works for everything from business to casual wear

Official Store URL: https://www.galleriant.com/c/all/bag/tote/GGC-3300

Upcoming Plans: A pre-release campaign for new products is scheduled to launch on Makuake this fall (around August–September)

■ Keywords for the Media

Proven quality from a brand that won the Excellence Award at “Bag of the Year 2021–22”

Rebranding from business bags to “bags that allow mature men to dress stylishly”

Sophisticated designs that accentuate mature allure and elegance

Plans to launch a pre-sale campaign for new products on “Makuake” this fall (around August–September)

■ Company Overview

Company Name: Benbe, Ltd.

Representative: Shuichi Tahira, Representative Director

Address: 620-1 Sakado, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture 509-0241

Established: April 1958

Business Activities: Manufacture, retail, and wholesale of clothing

Capital: 5 million yen

URL: http://an-alcott.com/

*The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of publication.

EFL has consistently provided “authentic English education,” and over the past 30 years, it has graduated more than 3,600 students. Through its unique teaching philosophy—which sets it apart from typical English conversation schools—it has raised the standard of English education in the region.

Official Website: https://www.eflclub.co.jp/

A scene from a lesson for 0-year-olds

■ The trust built over 30 years is passed on to the next generation

Since its founding in 1996, EFL has been dedicated to English education under the philosophy of “cultivating practical English skills that can be used throughout one’s life.” Over the past 30 years, more than 3,600 students have studied here, and many have continued their studies for extended periods—from infancy through college.Over the course of these 30 years, we have seen families where EFL alumni—now parents themselves—enroll their own children. The trust in our educational approach, cultivated over many years, is passed down across generations and continues to support the children’s growth.

■ “What Sets Us Apart from General Education”: An Approach Starting at Age 0

At EFL, we have established a unique educational approach that exposes children to English starting at age 0. Around the time we marked our eighth year since founding, our teaching staff observed a clear result: the English proficiency of children studying at EFL was higher than that of children who learned English solely through the school system, and they were able to speak English more naturally and fluently.Convinced of the importance of continuous exposure to English from early childhood, EFL has been providing an education that fosters practical English skills for over 30 years.

■ Raising the Overall Standard of English Education and Producing Numerous Students Accepted to the University of Tokyo and Medical Schools

Prompted by this discovery, EFL developed an even more refined, proprietary curriculum aimed at raising the overall standard of English education in Japan.We have consistently adhered to a policy of fostering not only the ability to engage in everyday conversation but also the logical thinking skills and English proficiency required to succeed in society. As a result, we have produced students who have gone on to attend highly selective universities—including the University of Tokyo—and medical schools, as well as individuals who are active on the international stage, achieving outstanding results in the academic field as well.

■ Scenes from the 30th Anniversary Ceremony

On the day of the event, we held a program to reflect on EFL’s 30-year journey and express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us over the years. Following opening remarks, Principal Laura, the school’s founder, spoke about the past 30 years and expressed her gratitude to all those who have supported the school.In addition, alumni gave speeches sharing anecdotes about the English skills and experiences they gained through the EFL Club. Warm messages from alumni and supporters who were unable to attend were also read aloud, and the venue was filled with a spirit of celebration and gratitude.

Principal Laura’s Speech

Group Photo from the EFL Club 30th Anniversary Party

■ Message from the EFL Club Representative

“I am proud that, for 30 years here in Sapporo, we have been blessed with so many wonderful students and their families and have been able to walk this path together. Our goal is not simply to teach a language, but to expand the possibilities for our children to the world. We will continue to deliver authentic English education to the next generation.”

Greetings from EFL Club Representative Makoto Yoshida

■ 30th Anniversary Special Offer

Children enrolled in the Infant Course (ages 0–3) who see this article, attend a trial lesson, and enroll by October 31, 2026, will receive an original EFL Club English picture book as a gift.

■ School Overview

School Name: EFL Club Children’s English Conversation School

Location: <Nango Branch>

　　　　　　 2F Crystal 87, 19-chome Minami 2-13, Nango-dori, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

　　　　　　 <Maruyama Campus>

　　　　　　 1-12, Kita 1-jo Nishi 19-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Established: July 1996

Representative: Makoto Yoshida

Business Activities: Operation of an English conversation school for children from infancy through college

URL: https://www.eflclub.co.jp/

Advanced Course

■ Company Overview

Trade Name: McFarren, Ltd.

Representative: Makoto Yoshida, Representative Director

Address: 19-2-13 Nango-dori, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 003-0022

　　　　　 Crystal 87, 2nd Floor

Established: July 1996

Business: English conversation school

URL: https://www.eflclub.co.jp/

Points CRM Advancement Support Service

■ Service Features

This service not only analyzes currently accumulated data but also works backward from the questions “What kind of customers do we want to nurture?” and “What kind of customer experiences and behaviors do we need to create to achieve that?” to design and improve the points and loyalty programs themselves—ensuring that the data necessary for future CRM operations is accumulated.

By combining general CRM analytics—such as purchase amount, purchase frequency, and retention rates—with data on point accrual, redemption, expiration, and balances, as well as membership tiers and responses to campaigns, we analyze not only “who the high-value customers are” but also “what point strategies and customer experiences changed customer behavior, leading to continued usage, increased usage, and the development of high-value customers.”

The results of this analysis are reflected in improvements to point award and redemption conditions, membership tiers, benefits, campaigns, and more. Furthermore, if there is a lack of data necessary to understand customer engagement, we redesign systems and initiatives by working backward from the customer behaviors that need to be captured.

We integrate “analyzing existing data” with “creating mechanisms to generate the data needed for CRM going forward.”

This is the key feature of this service.

■Background of Service Development: With Customer Data Integration Now Well Underway, the Question Is “How Can We Leverage It from the Customer’s Perspective?”

In recent years, primarily among major corporations, efforts to establish customer data infrastructure that spans group companies and multiple businesses and services, implement Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), and integrate member IDs have progressed, and an environment for centrally understanding and analyzing customer data is taking shape.CDPs are positioned as the foundation for integrating data from multiple customer touchpoints and leveraging it to enhance customer understanding and the customer experience.

On the other hand, there are cases where the “integration” of data and IDs has become an end in itself, failing to sufficiently translate into service design from the customer’s perspective—such as “what kind of experience to provide to customers and what kind of relationships to build”—or into concrete CRM initiatives.Once a data infrastructure is in place, determining how to utilize and embed it into customer experiences and on-the-ground initiatives has become a critical theme in current CDP implementation.

Furthermore, while the adoption of BI tools and CRM data analytics services continues to advance, linking analytical results to concrete initiatives requires designing a framework that addresses what KPIs to use for evaluating customer relationships, what changes to implement based on the analysis, and how to operationalize continuous improvement.

In particular, companies that operate point services or loyalty programs have accumulated unique CRM data that captures not only purchase history but also changes in customer relationships and behavior—such as point usage, expiration, balances, rank changes, and responses to campaigns.

However, when a points system is designed primarily around awarding and redeeming points based on purchase amounts, the behavioral history necessary to capture customer engagement—such as interests, participation, continued usage, expansion of usage scope, and referrals—and link it to subsequent CRM initiatives is not sufficiently accumulated.

M’s Communicate leverages its specialized expertise in both points/loyalty programs and CRM to support the advancement of points-based CRM. We help businesses move beyond the stage of simply “integrating” customer data to the stages of “understanding customers,” “designing experiences,” “revising programs and initiatives,” and “verifying results.”

■ Main Services

Service: Points CRM Diagnosis and Analysis

Details: Conducts cross-sectional analysis of purchases, memberships, points, apps, and other data to

　　　　　to assess customer nurturing status, the effectiveness of points initiatives, and CRM challenges

Fee: From 2 million yen

Service: Customer Nurturing KPI & Analysis Design

Details: Define the target customer profile and nurturing process,

　　　　　and design KPIs, target values, analysis methods, and required data

Fee: From 1.5 million yen

Service: Redesign of Points/Loyalty Programs

Details: Review of point accrual and usage conditions, tiers, benefits,

　　　　　campaigns, etc., based on analysis results

Fee: Custom quote

Service: PDCA Support

Details: Continuous analysis of customer behavior and KPIs to improve systems and initiatives and verify their effectiveness

Fee: Starting at 300,000 yen per month

Service: Quarterly and Annual Comprehensive Analysis

Details: Summarize customer development and the effectiveness of initiatives, linking the findings to management decisions and the next CRM strategy

Fee: Starting at 1.5 million yen per session

*Prices exclude tax

■ Applying Over 20 Years of Expertise in Points Programs to “CRM Advancement”

Since its founding in 2003, M’s Communicate has specialized in point services and loyalty programs, supporting over 400 companies, including major railway operators, energy firms, manufacturers, retailers, financial institutions, telecommunications companies, and local governments.

In *Point Service 3.0* (Chuo Keizai-sha, to be published in 2025), edited and authored by Representative Director Yuko Okada, we advocate for a approach that utilizes points not merely as economic incentives, but as an “engagement engine” that nurtures relationships between companies and customers.

Through this service, we apply these insights to data analysis, customer experience design, points and loyalty program design, and CRM operations.

We do more than simply integrate and analyze customer data; we evolve points and loyalty programs into “customer touchpoints that deepen relationships and generate valuable data for CRM,” and we leverage that data to nurture future customers.

Through this continuous operation, we support companies in boosting their revenue by improving customer engagement, retention rates, usage frequency, and LTV.

■Company Overview

Company Name: M’s Communicate Co., Ltd.

Address: 3F G-FRONT AOYAMA, 2-12-15 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Established: 2003

Representative: Yuko Okada, Representative Director

Business Activities: Strategic design,

　　　　　　　 system design, CRM/LTV support, and customer marketing consulting

Official URL: https://www.emscom.co.jp

Media Platform: Point Marketing Lab https://point-marketing.jp/

As Japan’s only independent firm specializing in consulting for point services, M’s Communicate has supported more than 400 companies and organizations—including those in retail, finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure, and local government—for over 20 years.

Furthermore, our recently published book, *Point Service 3.0* (https://amzn.to/4eGs32m), advocates for “points as a strategic asset for building customer relationships” and has gained widespread support as the industry’s “new standard.”It generated a significant response immediately upon its release, ranking fifth on the business (management) book list at Maruzen’s Marunouchi Main Store (July 31–August 6, 2025), and has been hailed as the “bible of point strategies.”

This package synthesizes these insights and proven results, aiming to enable the “regret-free implementation of a points service” from both a time and cost perspective.

Since its launch in Japan in 2025, the series has gained popularity for its novel concept of “making authentic bubble tea drinks using only a microwave,” with cumulative sales exceeding approximately 80,000 units. Furthermore, the product is now available at approximately 600 stores nationwide, primarily at variety stores and supermarkets.

The new Melon flavor features a refreshing, summery aroma and a gentle sweetness. We are introducing a new option for “at-home bubble tea” that combines the convenience of preparation using only a microwave with the authentic taste unique to Taiwan.

*Cumulative sales figures and the number of stores carrying the product are based on our company’s records from June 2025 to July 2026.

[Photo] Purita Tapioca Drink (BobaTea) “Melon” Image

■Background of the Launch

Sparked by the tapioca boom around 2018, tapioca drinks have become widely popular in Japan.

Far from being a passing fad, bubble tea continues to enjoy enduring popularity, as evidenced by the ongoing opening of new specialty bubble tea shops.

However, access to specialty tapioca shops varies by region, and the availability of authentic tapioca drinks depends on where you live. In recent years, the trend of “home cafés”—enjoying a café-like atmosphere at home—has taken root, leading to growing interest in products that allow consumers to easily enjoy authentic beverages.

With “Puri Tapioca Drinks,” all it takes is about 2 minutes in the microwave—a total of about 3 minutes—to enjoy an authentic tapioca drink with a chewy texture.

We are marketing this product in Japan with the hope that people can enjoy authentic tapioca drinks at home or in the office—regardless of where they live or what time of day it is—without having to visit a specialty shop.

■ Approximately 80,000 units sold and about 600 stores nationwide carrying the product within about one year of launch

Since its launch,

• “Authentic taste with just a microwave”

• “The chewy texture is just like at a shop”

• “It’s fun to make with my kids”

and other positive feedback from many customers.

One year after its launch, the product is available at approximately 600 stores nationwide—including select locations such as Sake no Yamaya, PLAZA, and Kitano Ace—and has achieved cumulative sales of about 80,000 units.

Its convenience—simply heating it in the microwave for about 2 minutes to enjoy an authentic, chewy tapioca drink—has earned it widespread support, and it is enjoyed in a variety of settings, from coffee breaks at home to refreshing breaks at the office.

Additionally, since it allows you to serve authentic tapioca drinks without the need for specialized equipment like sealing machines, it’s easy to incorporate into drink menus for school festivals, local events, and pop-up shops.

■ New “Melon” Flavor—a First for the Series

The newly released Melon flavor features a refreshing aroma and gentle sweetness that’s perfect for summer.

Melon is a flavor that remains popular every year in both desserts and beverages.

Combined with the chewy texture of tapioca, we’ve created a drink that feels like a dessert.

Since summer is the season when we crave cold drinks, you can easily enjoy authentic tapioca drinks right at home.

To make the “Honeydew” flavor—beloved in Taiwan—more familiar to Japanese customers, we’ve labeled this product “Melon” on the packaging and in the product name. Although the name is different, we’re bringing the gentle, familiar taste of melon from Taiwan directly to everyone in Japan.

[Photo] Purita Tapioca Drink (Boba Tea) Melon Flavor Set.

The set includes the flavor, tapioca pearls, and a straw. It features the same taste—known as “Honeydew” in Taiwan and “Melon” in Japan.

■ What is “Puri Tapioca Drink (Boba Tea)”?

Based on the concept of “Just 3 minutes in the microwave! Enjoy boba at home!”, this product lets you easily make delicious, restaurant-quality boba drinks using your home microwave. It features surprisingly chewy tapioca with a simple preparation process, along with a wide variety of flavors to suit your preferences.

[Easy in the Microwave! 3 Steps, 3 Minutes for Restaurant-Quality Taste!]

No special skills or tools are required—you can easily make a delicious tapioca drink at home in just 3 minutes, whenever the mood strikes. Since it doesn’t involve using a stovetop, even children can make it* (*Children 6 years old and under should not consume this product.Also, when children are preparing the drink, please have a parent or guardian supervise them to ensure safety and prevent burns.)

(1) Add 100 ml of water and the tapioca.

　　Remove the contents from the container, pour in 100 ml of water, add the tapioca, and gently stir to separate the pearls.

(2) Heat in the microwave without a lid.

　　Heat for 2 minutes and 20 seconds at 500W, or about 2 minutes at 600W.

(3) Add the powder, stir, add ice, and it’s ready!

　　Remove from the microwave, add the included powder, and stir well until it’s completely dissolved.

　　Add plenty of ice, insert a straw, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Preparation Instructions

[All you need is a microwave, water, and ice!]

Puri Tapioca Drink (Boba Tea) turns conventional tapioca preparation on its head! No pot or colander is needed to boil frozen or dried tapioca. The product packaging doubles as the serving container, so you don’t even need a glass—and a special straw is included.Plus, there’s no need to worry about the common mistake of the tapioca remaining hard in the center, which often happens when cooking it yourself. It’s so quick and easy that even children can make it*. (*Please do not serve to children under 6 years of age. Also, when children are preparing this, a parent or guardian must supervise to ensure safety and prevent burns.)

[Making tapioca drinks more accessible and a part of everyday life.]

Until now, it could be difficult to get a tapioca drink right when you wanted one—whether because there wasn’t a shop nearby, you didn’t have time to go, or the store was closed when you felt like having one.

With Purita Boba Tea, you can make a delicious boba drink just like the ones from a shop in just 3 minutes—whether at home or at work—as long as you have a microwave. This means you can instantly satisfy that craving when you think, “I want a boba drink right now!”From the moment you say, “I’m home!” or “I want a drink!”—you can have a delicious bubble tea in just 3 minutes.

[Product Lineup]

From classic popular flavors to the newly released melon flavor.

We’ve prepared a lineup of five varieties so you can choose one to match your mood for the day.

Perfect for a refreshing break at the office or while studying.

The cute packaging adds a little fun and energy to your everyday life.

They’re perfect not only as a treat for yourself but also as small gifts, souvenirs, or for special events.

(From left) Purita Boba Tea: Milk Tea, Brown Sugar, Strawberry, Matcha, Melon (NEW!) (500 yen each, tax included) *“Taro” will be discontinued once current domestic stock is sold out

■Basic Information

[Product Name]

Puri Tapioca Drink (BobaTea) Milk Tea

Puri Tapioca Drink (BobaTea) Brown Sugar

Puri Tapioca Drink (BobaTea) Strawberry

Puri Tapioca Drink (Boba Tea) Matcha

Puri Tapioca Drink (Boba Tea) Melon

[Suggested Retail Price]

500 yen (tax included)

[Ingredients]

<Tapioca>

Sugar, tapioca starch / modified starch, glycerin, caramel color, flavoring, thickening agents (CMC-Na, polysaccharide thickeners), pH adjusters

<Milk Tea Powder>

Vegetable fat, sugar, glucose powder, black tea powder, green tea powder / silicon dioxide, flavoring, sweetener (acesulfame K), modified starch, potassium phosphate, emulsifier

<Brown Sugar Flavored Powder>

Vegetable fat, brown sugar, sugar, glucose powder, black tea powder / Flavoring, silicon dioxide, sweetener (acesulfame K), modified starch, potassium phosphate, emulsifier

<Matcha-Flavored Powder>

Vegetable fat, sugar, glucose powder, matcha powder, green tea powder / Flavoring, silicon dioxide, sweetener (acesulfame K), modified starch, potassium phosphate, emulsifier

<Strawberry-Flavored Powder>

Vegetable fat, sugar, glucose powder, processed strawberry powder, processed beet powder / flavoring, silicon dioxide, sweetener (acesulfame K), modified starch, potassium phosphate, emulsifier, pH adjuster

<Melon-Flavored Powder>

Vegetable fat, sugar, powdered glucose, processed apple powder, black tea powder / Flavoring, silicon dioxide, sweetener (acesulfame K), modified starch, potassium phosphate, emulsifier, food coloring (Yellow No. 4, Blue No. 1), (contains apple)

[Net Weight]

Tapioca 50g, Drink Powder 35g

Single-serving size: φ9 × 13 cm

Case / Quantity: 38.6 × 29.1 × 16.2 (cm), 1.76 kg / 12 cups

[Best Before]

2 years

[Storage Instructions]

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight

[Country of Origin]

Taiwan

■About SUNNY PRESENCE

We value the three “S”s—Special, Sincere, and Smile—and deliver carefully curated products.We hope these products will contribute to your physical and mental well-being, bring a smile to your face, and help you achieve a warm, fulfilling life where everyone can radiate energy and brilliance like the sun.

Special: Products that are “special” and have been carefully selected by us

Sincere ・・・ Delivered with “sincerity”

Smile ・・・・・ Items that bring a “smile” to you and your loved ones

■Company Overview

Company Name: SUNNY PRESENCE Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 3rd Floor, Building 3, Nihon Building, 1-2-14 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative Director: Hisako Abe

Business Activities: Import, wholesale, and retail of food and health foods, etc.

Established: February 2023

Website: https://sunnypresence.com/

Official Social Media: X @SUNNYPRESENCE

　　　　　　 (https://x.com/SUNNYPRESENCE)

　　　　　　 Instagram @sunnypresence_official

　　　　　　 ( https://www.instagram.com/sunnypresence_official/ )

Special Exhibition “Sigaraki New Wave: The Present of Expanding Creativity”

■ Exhibition Overview

In recent years, artists from a wide range of fields—including not only ceramics but also sculpture, painting, and installation art—have been gathering in Shigaraki and Iga from both Japan and abroad, giving rise to a new wave of creativity.Behind this trend lies a rich creative environment—including clay well-suited for pottery, techniques cultivated over many years as a ceramics-producing region, strong community ties, and programs such as Artist-in-Residence (AIR).

This exhibition frames this movement—which has become particularly prominent since 2010—as the “Shigaraki New Wave” and introduces 17 artists based in Shigaraki and Iga who are active both domestically and internationally.In particular, through diverse forms of expression born from the region’s materials, climate, and the gentle connections that thrive within the community, the exhibition examines the current state of the creative environment—nurtured by the mutual resonance between the region and art—and looks toward the possibilities that lie ahead.

■Basic Information

Dates: Saturday, September 12, 2026 (Reiwa 8) – Sunday, December 13, 2026

*Closed on Mondays; however, the museum will be open on September 21, October 12, and November 23. but will be closed on September 24, October 13, and November 24 as make-up closures

Venue: Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Art Forest, Ceramic Art Museum

Admission: General: 1,100 yen (880 yen); College students: 880 yen (700 yen); High school students and younger: Free

*Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more

Organizer: Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Art Forest

Supported by: Shiga Prefectural Board of Education, Koka City, Kyoto Shimbun, NHK Otsu Broadcasting Station

In cooperation with: Kyocera Corporation, Otsuka Omi Ceramics Co., Ltd.,

Shigaraki Ceramic Technology Research Institute, Koga Barasu Co., Ltd.

Funded by: Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Regional Cultural Foundation (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)

■ Highlights

(1) 17 Artists Active Both Domestically and Internationally Gather in One Place—The Current State of Artistic Expression Emerging from Shigaraki and Iga

Seventeen artists who, since 2010, have been based in Shigaraki and Iga—or have maintained deep ties to the region while expanding their activities both domestically and internationally—will gather in one place. Through diverse forms of expression that extend beyond ceramics to include sculpture, painting, and installation art, this exhibition presents the “present” of Shigaraki and Iga.

(2) New Forms of Expression Born from Connections Between Materials, Techniques, and People

This section focuses on the region’s strengths cultivated over a long history of ceramics—including clay, firing techniques, and collaborations with potteries, companies, and artisans. It showcases how artists encounter local materials, techniques, and people, and reinterpret these elements into their own creative works.

(3) Each Artist’s “Shigaraki and Iga,” as Told Through Their Own Words and Photographs

Alongside their works, each participating artist will display essays and photographs detailing their relationship with Shigaraki and Iga. Through their encounters with this land, their memories, and the experiences that led to their creations, we trace the unique “Shigaraki and Iga” that lies behind each artist’s work.

■ Exhibition Structure: 17 participating artists, approximately 140 works

Prologue: New Wave I—New Creativity Emerging from Shigaraki

Participating Artists: Yuji Ueda, Kyu Tani, Yoji Yamada

Yuji Ueda, *Untitled*, 2026, H 100 cm, Artist’s collection

Kyu Tani, *Shigaraki Jar*, 2026, H 62 cm, Artist’s collection

Yōji Yamada, *Slip Oval Bowl*, 2026, W 35 cm, Artist’s collection

Chapter 1: New Wave II—Creation in Collaboration with the Production Region

Participating Artists: Tomoko Konno, Yoshiko Masumoto, Yu Kimri

Keiko Masumoto*“Kite / Vase,” “Seagull / Vase”* (Part of the “Blue Birds/Blue Ceramics” installation), 2021, both H 91 cm, artist’s collection, photo by Nobuyoshi Ochi

Tomoko Konno, *Blooming from the Earth—Fountain of Life (Detail)*, 2026, Artist’s collection

RiyoKim, *Shining Gold-Glazed Line-Engraved Shrine Priest-Monk*, H 165 cm, Artist’s collection

Chapter 2: New Wave III—Creativity Opening Up to the World

Participating Artists: Masaomi Yasunaga, To Iwamura, Tomonari Hashimoto, Tomohisa Obana, Tomoko Obana

En Iwamura, *Neo Jomon: Still Dreaming Girl*, 2026, H 152 cm, Artist’s Collection

Masaomi Yasunaga, *Tile Vessel*, 2026, H 136 cm, Artist’s Collection

Tomonari Hashimoto, *Untitled*, 2026, H 67.5 cm, Artist’s Collection

Tomohisa Obana, *Brick (Detail)*, 2021, H 74, Artist’s collection

Tomoko Obana, *10-shō Bottle (19–99)*, 2010–2026, approx. H 67 cm, artist’s collection

Chapter 3: New Wave IV—Expanding Creativity

Participating Artists: Hiroto Kitagawa, Yui Suzuki

Hiroto Kitagawa, *CU2602-blue*, 2026, H 214 cm, Artist’s Collection

Yui Suzuki, *Attempting the Impossible: Vase*, 2026, Private collection

Chapter 4: New Wave V—New Practices Rooted in Local Regions

Featured Artists: Yoichi Umezu, Yuki Ando, Akira Tao, Yasushi Amano

Yoichi Umezu, *Pollen Filter* (Technical Cooperation: Fumito Okuda, Marubai Ceramics), 2021, H 127.5 cm, Collection of Misonikomi Oden

Yuki Ando, *Untitled*, 2026, H 187 cm, Collection of the artist

Akira Tao, *Sou*, 2026, H 176 cm, artist’s collection

Yasushi Amano, *Toward the Bridge*, 2026, H 53 cm, Collection of the artist

■Related Events

(1) Forest of Dialogue: “The Present and Future of Production Areas (tentative title)”

　Panelists: Eiji Osugi (President and CEO, Otsuka Omi Ceramics Co., Ltd.)

　　　　　 Shunsuke Kato (Representative, NOTA_SHOP / NOTA & gallery)

　　　　　 Toshio Matsui (Director, Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Art Museum)

　Date: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:00 PM–

　Location: Shigaraki Industrial Exhibition Hall, Shigaraki Hall

　Admission: Free

(2) Tours of Shigaraki Pottery Kilns and Workshops, and Artist Talks

(3) Tour of the Otsuka Omi Ceramics Co., Ltd. Showroom and the Shigaraki Ceramic Technology Testing Center

(4) Exhibition in the town by participating artist Yoichi Umezu

　September 5 (Sat) – 24 (Tue), 2026 / Café & Gallery Tōen

(5) Related Workshops for Parents and Children

　(I) Workshop 1: “Let’s Make Clay Nests Together”

　Date: Sunday, November 8

　Instructor: Participating Artist To Iwamura

　Venue: Shigaraki Industrial Exhibition Hall, Creative Space, Shigaraki Forest of Ceramics

　(II) Workshop 2: “Making Pottery Using the Slipware Technique”

　Date: Sunday, November 22

　Instructor: Exhibiting Artist Yoji Yamada

　Venue: Shigaraki Industrial Exhibition Hall, Creative Space, Shigaraki Ceramic Forest

(6) Gallery Talk by the Curator in Charge

　[No registration required; admission ticket required]

　September 27 (Sun), October 25 (Sun), November 29 (Sun) *All sessions start at 1:30 PM

(7) Concurrent Exhibitions

　Ceramics Museum Gallery “AIR—Masterpiece Selection Exhibition I, II, III”

　Dates: September 12 (Sat) – December 13 (Sun), 2026. Free admission

　*Exhibits will be rotated during the exhibition period

▼*Please visit our museum’s website for details.

https://www.sccp.jp/exhibitions/21527/

<Related Exhibitions>

“Experience Ceramic Tiles! Art and Culture Connected by Ceramics” Exhibition

Organizer: Otsuka Omi Ceramics Co., Ltd.

Dates: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 – Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (National Holiday)

Venue: Shigaraki Industrial Exhibition Hall (Shigaraki Ware Museum), Koka City

Through this partnership, RetriVa’s advanced AI implementation capabilities—centered on generative AI, LLMs, RAG, and AI agents—will be combined with Ascentech’s expertise in building virtual desktops, cloud infrastructure, security, and on-premises AI platforms.

The two companies will provide end-to-end support—from the formulation of AI utilization strategies through proof-of-concept (PoC), system development, infrastructure construction, and post-implementation improvements—with the goal of delivering highly practical AI solutions that enable customers to safely utilize their data.

■Background of the Business Partnership

With the rapid evolution of generative AI, expectations are rising among companies and local governments for the use of AI to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and create new business opportunities. At the same time, challenges remain, including a shortage of specialized personnel and implementation know-how needed to integrate AI into actual operations, as well as issues related to the handling of personal and confidential information and integration with existing systems.

Retriva possesses advanced technical expertise in generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and natural language processing, and supports the development of AI systems tailored to corporate operations, such as RAG and AI agents.

Asentec, in addition to the technical expertise it has cultivated in the fields of virtual desktops, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity, offers the on-premises AI platform “Edge AI Array.”

The two companies have formed this partnership with the goal of combining their respective strengths to enable customers to safely utilize their critical data and translate AI adoption into tangible business results.

Specifically for local governments, the companies will focus on two key areas—improving productivity through the digital transformation (DX) and AI adoption of staff operations, and streamlining operations and enhancing citizen services through the use of AI in citizen interactions—to develop and provide concrete solutions.

■Details of the Business Partnership

1. By integrating Retriva’s AI implementation capabilities with Ascentech’s virtual desktop solutions and “Edge AI Array,” the two companies will jointly provide an environment where enterprises can utilize AI with confidence.

2. We will promote Retriva’s AI solutions and technologies through Ascentech’s network of partners, including major system integrators.

3. We will ensure the data protection, governance, and compliance required in the AI era, supporting enterprises in the safe and secure adoption of AI.

4. By leveraging both companies’ technical capabilities and business foundations, we will create new value to support Japanese companies’ use of AI and contribute to the development of a domestically driven secure AI market.

■Comment

We are very pleased to announce the start of this business partnership with Ascentech Co., Ltd.

To translate generative AI into tangible business results, it is essential to have not only AI technology but also a deep understanding of our customers’ operations and an IT infrastructure that ensures safe and stable usage.

By combining Retriva’s technical expertise in generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and natural language processing with Asentec’s capabilities in virtual desktops, cloud, security, and the construction of on-premises AI infrastructure, we believe we can provide comprehensive support from AI concept development through implementation and operation.We will work together to create AI solutions—particularly for local governments—that lead to improved productivity for staff and enhanced services for citizens, thereby contributing to the safe and practical adoption of AI.

Takuya Taguchi, President and CEO, Retriba, Inc.

■ Date of Agreement

August 19, 2026

■ About Retriva, Inc.

Retriva is a company that provides AI solutions based on natural language processing technology. Leveraging its advanced technical expertise in the fields of generative AI, RAG, and AI agents, the company supports digital transformation (DX) and AI adoption for businesses and local governments.

■About Asentec Co., Ltd.

Guided by the corporate philosophy of “Simple, Fast, and Secure! Contributing to the transformation of our customers’ business workstyles,” the company’s core business consists of the development, sales, and consulting services related to virtual desktops, while also expanding into cybersecurity solutions and cloud services. Additionally, the company is strengthening its ESG initiatives to contribute to a sustainable society.

Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market [Stock Code: 3565]

*Company names and product names mentioned in this text are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

The life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, which has been on display since September 2017, will conclude its exhibition on Monday, August 31, 2026.

As the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, which has been beloved by so many visitors for nearly nine years, prepares to conclude its exhibition, we have decided to hold a closing ceremony on Saturday, August 29. We plan to livestream the event on the official Gundam YouTube channel, “Gundam Channel.”

In addition, we plan to release merchandise related to the life-sized Unicorn   Gundam statue.

■ Live Stream on YouTube’s “Gundam Channel”!

Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue Final Ceremony

Scheduled for Saturday, August 29!

Life-Sized UC Gundam Statue Final Ceremony

The life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, which has been cherished by so many people for nearly 9 years, will conclude its exhibition on Monday, August 31, 2026.

To mark the end of the exhibition, we will hold a Final Ceremony on Saturday, August 29.

In addition, the event will be livestreamed on the official Gundam YouTube channel, “Gundam Channel.”

On the day of the event, there will be a special live performance by Hiroyuki   Sawano, who composed the music for the *Mobile Suit Gundam UC*, *Mobile Suit Gundam NT*, and *Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash* series, and 

SennaRin, who performed the insert song for the movie *Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash – The Witch of Circe*.

In addition, the event will feature the special presentation “UNICORN GUNDAM Statue — BEYOND POSSIBILITY —,” which will run for a limited time of 10 days starting Saturday, August 22.

■ Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue Final Ceremony Overview

[Date and Time]

Saturday, August 29, 7:30 PM–

【Streaming Platform】

Gundam Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GUNDAM

*The streaming URL will be announced at a later date.

【Cast】*Titles omitted*

Hiroyuki Sawano (Lyricist, Composer, Arranger, Music Producer)

Hiroyuki Sawano (Lyricist, Composer, Arranger, Music Producer)

SennaRin (Artist)

SennaRin (Artist)

[MC] *Titles omitted*

Genki Okawa (Voice Actor)

Genki Okawa (Voice Actor)

■Notice Regarding Changes to THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO ANNEX Business Hours

To alleviate crowding caused by the Final Ceremony for the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue,

THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO ANNEX may adjust its business hours on Saturday, August 29.

Details will be announced on the “Gundam Base Official Website.” We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

▼Gundam Base Official Website

https://www.gundam-base.net/

■ Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue: Limited-Time Event Overview

[Event Period]

August 22, 2026 (Sat) – August 31, 2026 (Mon)

[Venue]

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 2nd Floor, Festival Plaza (1-1-10 Aomi, Koto Ward, Tokyo)

[Event Schedule]

7:00 PM: “MidNight CHA CHA”

7:30 PM “Mobile Suit Gundam UC SPECIAL MOVIE” Ver. 2.0

　　　　“Cage” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Tielle

8:00 PM: “UNICORN GUNDAM Statue — BEYOND POSSIBILITY —”

8:30 PM　Archive Footage: “Fly! Gundam 2017”

9:00 p.m. “Mobile Suit Gundam UC: Perfectibility”

9:30 PM “GUNDAM:BEYOND”

*Please note that the program may be subject to change or cancellation without prior notice due to weather conditions or operational circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

*Please note that the performance schedule for Saturday, August 29, is subject to change due to event operational reasons. We appreciate your understanding.

Special Footage of the Life-Sized UC Gundam Statue

Compilation of Scenes from the Special Video Featuring the Life-Sized UC 

Gundam Statue

■ Commemorative merchandise marking the end of the life-sized Unicorn      Gundam statue exhibition is arriving one after another!

◆The RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL, a mega-sized model recreating the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, is now available! This model features    special decorations recreated from the designs of mechanical designer Hajime Katoki.

(1) Mega Size Model 1/48 Gundam Base Exclusive RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL

・Price: 14,300 yen (tax included)

Orders are scheduled to open soon at the Gundam Base online shop on Premium Bandai.

*This product is also scheduled to go on sale at “THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO” after the shipping date on Premium Bandai.

(1) Mega Size Model 1/48—Gundam Base Exclusive—RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver.

◆A new product from STRICT-G, available exclusively at Premium Bandai and the STRICT-G Odaiba Store!

Release Date (Common): Premium Bandai – Friday, August 28, 2026

　　　　　　　In-store (Odaiba Store only): Saturday, August 29, 2026

(2) STRICT-G Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue Photo T-Shirt

　 (Full Color / Monochrome)

・Price: 5,830 yen (tax included)

(2) STRICT-G Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue Photo T-Shirt (Full Color)

(2) STRICT-G Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue Photo T-Shirt (Monochrome)

(3) STRICT-G RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL T-shirt

・Price: 5,830 yen (tax included)

(3) STRICT-G RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL T-shirt

(4) STRICT-G RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Mug

・Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

(4) STRICT-G RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Mug

(5) STRICT-G Kamawanu “Mobile Suit Gundam UC” Tenugui: Unicorn Gundam [Unicorn Mode] (Light Blue/Black)

・Price: 2,750 yen (tax included)

(5) STRICT-G Kamawanu “Mobile Suit Gundam UC” Tenugui: Unicorn Gundam [Unicorn Mode] (Light Blue/Black)

◆New merchandise featuring specially designed decals from BanColle! is now     available!

Release Date (All Items): Saturday, August 29, 2026

Retail Locations: Gundam Base Tokyo, Gundam Base Tokyo Annex

(6) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL T-shirt

・Price: 4,400 yen (tax included)

(6) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL T-shirt

(7) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Acrylic Keychain

・Price: 990 yen (tax included)

(7) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Acrylic Keychain

(8) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Scarf Towel

・Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

(8) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Scarf Towel

◆ Specially decorated “RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL” stickers are      now available!

(9) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Sticker

・Release Date: Friday, August 21, 2026

・Retailers: Gundam Base Tokyo, Gundam Base Tokyo Annex

・Price: 440 yen (tax included)

(9) RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Ver. TWC FINAL Sticker

Gifts to Enjoy at the Dinner Table Every Day, Imbued with the Wish, “Stay Healthy Forever”

These limited-edition gifts include the “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux,” which uses seven types of black ingredients and was featured as an example from the “Premium Black Curry” product line, which won the “Curry of the Year 2026” award in the curry roux category.

The sets also include “Guilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour,” a retort curry characterized by its high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free qualities, and “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice,” a Japanese-style stew roux featuring a rich dashi broth.

We’re offering a new option for Respect for the Aged Day: food gifts that can be enjoyed at the dinner table every day, conveying your wishes for your loved ones to “stay healthy forever” and “continue to enjoy delicious food.”

In addition to these two limited-edition gift sets, we are also offering special Respect for the Aged Day wrapping for a limited time on our regular gift sets available at our official online store.

■ Two Limited-Edition Respect for the Aged Day Gifts Now Available

(1) “Respect for the Aged Day Gift Set” Featuring Kuro-Nana Curry, Japanese-Style Stew, and Retort Curry

　3,000 yen (tax included, shipping included)

Cosmo Foods, known for its open-flame-grilled curries: Two 2026 “Respect for the Aged Day Gift” Sets

This set includes “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux,” made with seven black ingredients and free of animal-derived ingredients; “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice,” a dashi-infused Japanese-style stew that pairs well with rice; and “Guilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour,” featuring high protein, low-carb, and gluten-free qualities.

This gift set is easy to incorporate into your daily meals, allowing you to enjoy not only curry but also stew and retort-packed curry.

[Set Contents]

・Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux: 1 pack

・Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice: 1 pack

・Guilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour: 2 packs

Price: 3,000 yen (tax and shipping included)

(2) “Kuro-Nana Reduced-Sodium Curry Gift Set” – Thoughtful for Everyday Meals

　2,500 yen (tax included, shipping included)

This set combines “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux” with “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Reduced-Sodium Curry Roux.”

This is a curry gift for Respect for the Aged Day, perfect for those who want to give something their loved ones can enjoy at the dinner table every day.

[Set Contents]

・Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux: 2 packs

・Cosmo Direct-Fire ・Roasted Reduced-Sodium Curry Roux: 2 packs

Price: 2,500 yen (tax and shipping included)

■ “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux,” Made with Seven Types of Black Ingredients

The “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux,” which serves as the centerpiece of this limited-edition Respect for the Aged Day gift set, is a curry roux introduced on January 22, 2026 (Curry Day), as part of the “Premium Black Curry” product line, which won the Curry Roux category of the “Curry of the Year 2026” award announced on that day.

This curry roux contains no animal-derived ingredients and combines seven “black” ingredients—including black rice, black beans, black sesame seeds, black pine nuts, black quince, black garlic, and black sugar.

Rather than simply appearing black, this product aims to create a deep, complex flavor by layering the richness and nutty aroma of each black ingredient; its base features a spicy and robust taste. It brings out the natural sweetness and umami of vegetables, making it an excellent match for vegetable-forward curries.

Furthermore, Cosmo Foods’ proprietary “direct-fire roasting method” is used to create a flavor that brings out the natural characteristics of each ingredient.

■ Perceptions of “Black Ingredients” Based on a Survey of 100 Men and Women Aged 20–60

In a “Summer Diet Survey” conducted by Cosmo Foods among 100 men and women in their 20s through 60s, regarding black ingredients such as “black sesame seeds, black soybeans, black rice, and fermented black garlic,” 50% of respondents answered that they had a “healthy image” of them, while 43% said they “seem nutritious.”

These perceptions of black-colored foods are one of the reasons behind the company’s proposal to offer “Kuro-Nana Curry Roux”—which uses seven types of black-colored ingredients—as a gift for Respect for the Aged Day.

*This survey asked about perceptions of black ingredients and does not indicate any health benefits associated with this product.

■High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free “Guilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour”

“Guilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour” is a retort-packed curry characterized by being high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free.

In the dietary habits of older adults, it is considered important to consume sufficient nutrients, including protein, from the perspective of preventing frailty (*). Therefore, we have included this high-protein retort curry—which can be easily enjoyed as part of daily meals—as one of the gift options for Respect for the Aged Day.

This retort-packed curry is microwave-safe and easy to prepare.

*Based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025 Edition).”

■ “Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice,” with a Rich Dashi Flavor

“Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice” is a Japanese-style stew roux with a rich dashi flavor.

It pairs well with rice and goes perfectly with root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and daikon radish, making it a flavor that’s easy to incorporate into everyday meals.

We’ve included it in our “Respect for the Aged Day Gift” collection as a dish that offers a Japanese-style flavor distinct from curry.

■Gift Wrapping Available Not Only for Respect for the Aged Day Limited-Edition Gifts but Also for Regular Gifts

At the Cosmo Foods Official Online Store, in addition to the two limited-edition Respect for the Aged Day gift sets being released this time, we are also offering Respect for the Aged Day gift wrapping for our regularly available gift sets for a limited time.

You can choose from both the limited-edition gifts and our regular gift sets to suit the recipient’s preferences and budget.

This service is also ideal for those who wish to give their loved ones their “usual favorites” as a Respect for the Aged Day gift.

[Respect for the Aged Day Gift Wrapping Period]

Monday, August 24, 2026 – Monday, September 21, 2026 (National Holiday)

Please check our official online store for details on gift wrapping and eligible products.

Cosmo Foods Official Online Store

　　https://store.e-cosmo.co.jp/shopbrand/ct18/

■Bringing the Giver’s Heartfelt Sentiments to the Dinner Table Every Day

Respect for the Aged Day is an opportunity to express your daily gratitude to family and loved ones and to convey your wish for them to “stay healthy and happy for years to come.”

At Cosmo Foods, we suggest taking time to show your care for loved ones through food—not just on special occasions, but every day—by giving them curry and stew roux, as well as retort-packed foods, as gifts.

This year on Respect for the Aged Day, why not convey your wishes—such as “Stay healthy forever” and “Keep enjoying delicious food”—through gifts that arrive at the dinner table every day?

Respect for the Aged Day Gift Wrapping (Left: 2 Limited-Edition Gift Sets; Right: Standard Gift Items)

■Product Overview

(1) Respect for the Aged Day Limited Edition “Respect for the Aged Day Gift”

Price: 3,000 yen (tax and shipping included)

Set Contents:

Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux: 1 packCosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Japanese-Style Stew Roux That Goes Well with Rice: 1 packGuilt-Free Chicken Curry Made with Rice Flour: 2 packs

(2) Respect for the Aged Day Limited Edition “Kuro-Nana Reduced-Sodium Curry Gift Set”

Price: 2,500 yen (tax and shipping included)

Set Contents:

Cosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Kuro-Nana Curry Roux: 2 packsCosmo Direct-Fire Roasted Reduced-Sodium Curry Roux: 2 packs

Sales Period: August 24, 2026 (Mon) – September 21, 2026 (Mon, Holiday)

Where to Buy: Cosmo Foods Official Online Store

URL: https://store.e-cosmo.co.jp/

*Sales period, prices, set contents, and other details are subject to change.

■About Cosmo Foods Co., Ltd.

Cosmo Foods Co., Ltd. is a food manufacturer that produces and sells curry roux, stew roux, retort-packed curry, sauces, and other products.

We place great importance on product development that leverages our “direct-fire roasting method,” and we deliver foods that are a staple of everyday meals—including curry and stew—with a commitment to high-quality ingredients and meticulous production methods.

For this Respect for the Aged Day gift collection, we have curated a selection of Cosmo Foods products—including curries, stews, and retort-packed foods—to create food gift sets that both the giver and the recipient will enjoy.

[Company Overview]

Company Name: Cosmo Foods Co., Ltd.

Date of Establishment: June 1986 (Celebrating our 40th anniversary)

Headquarters: 7F Omori Building, 2-4-18 Omori-kita, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Website URL: https://www.e-cosmo.co.jp/

Online Store: https://store.e-cosmo.co.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmofoods_curry/

X: https://x.com/cosmoJIKABIYAKI/

■Customer Inquiries Regarding This Matter

[Cosmo Foods Online Store]

Phone: 0172-78-1900 (Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

Contact Form: https://www.e-cosmo.co.jp/contact/

This seasonal limited-edition flavor bursts with the rich flavors of its ingredients.

■ A special flavor exclusive to fall and winter, featuring a combination of sweet-and-sour apples and fresh caramel

Wishbone’s long-running bestseller, “Yokohama Renga-dori,” is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It features aromatic roasted almonds coated in house-made fresh caramel, sandwiched between cookie dough and baked slowly to perfection.We have continued to manufacture this product in Yokohama City since its launch, carefully crafting each batch according to the day’s temperature and baking conditions.

From the “Yokohama Renga-dori” line, we’re pleased to introduce the seasonal limited-edition “Caramel Apple” just in time for the cooler months.

Roasted almonds, apples, and raisins are coated in rich, homemade fresh caramel and sandwiched between moist, cinnamon-scented cookies.

The mellow richness of the fresh caramel harmonizes perfectly with the sweet-and-tart flavor of the apples, creating a taste unique to fall and winter.

We recommend enjoying it with coffee or hot tea for a seasonal tea break.

Imagine the flavor of “Caramel Apple,” where the notes of apple, raisins, and almonds are layered with the aroma of cinnamon

■ “3-Variety Assortment Set” to Choose Based on the Recipient or Occasion

We’ve prepared a 3-variety assortment set that combines the seasonal “Caramel Apple” with the classic “Yokohama Renga-dori” and “Yokohama Renga-dori Chocolat.”

The classic “Yokohama Brick Street,” beloved since its launch; “Yokohama Brick Street Chocolat,” with its rich cocoa aroma; and “Yokohama Brick Street Caramel Apple,” where you can enjoy the sweet-and-sour taste of apples and the aroma of cinnamon.This assortment, which lets you enjoy the unique character of each variety, is perfect for a variety of occasions, such as family gatherings, office treats, and seasonal greetings.

Two classic varieties and the seasonal “Caramel Apple”

■Product Overview

“Yokohama Renga-dori Caramel Apple” Product Lineup

On Sale: Friday, August 21, 2026

Sales Locations: Pâtisserie Wishbon Yokohama Renga-dori Official Shop, WISHBON Official Online Shop (https://wishbonshop.com/)

We will gradually expand sales to department stores, mass retailers, train stations, and rest areas throughout Yokohama.

■Company Overview

Company Name: Wishbon Co., Ltd.

Representative: Kenichi Nagano, Representative Director

Address: 1-2-6 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 236-0004

Business Activities: Manufacture and sale of Western-style confectionery

Capital: 10 million yen

URL: https://wishbon.co.jp/

In this relaunch, centered on “Olive Well”—DHC’s flagship skincare series for hotel amenities—the company has revamped the packaging of all products, ranging from cleansers, body and hand care, hair care, face masks, to bath salts, into a new, cohesive design that caters to the various care needs of hotel guests.

Through designs that prioritize physical and mental relaxation, a sense of security, and comfort, we aim to create amenities that enrich the very experience of staying at a hotel.

Images of Olive Well and 9 Other Products

[Images of the 9 Care Products] From left: Cleanser, Facial Wash, Toner, Cream, Beauty Oil, Body & Hand Milk, Hair Milk, Bath Salts, Face Mask

■ Centered on “Olive Well,” for a variety of skincare needs during your hotel stay

“Olive Well” is a skincare series that embodies the “Power of Olives”—the origin of DHC’s cosmetics business—and the concept of “WELL,” which guides the skin toward a healthy state.

“The happiness of days when your skin feels great. Every day, through skincare, you can be your best self.”

“Olive Well” embodies our desire to support such days.

With this relaunch, centered around the “Olive Well Series,” we’ve curated a lineup of products designed to support you in various situations during your hotel stay—from daily skin, body, and hair care to special pampering treatments.

Through each step of your routine, we offer a pleasant experience where you can take time to pamper yourself.

■ New Packaging Design Focused on Well-being

Based on the concept of well-being, the new packaging design aims to evoke a sense of peace, security, and comfort for both mind and body.

By incorporating ample white space and organizing essential information into a simple layout, we have enhanced visibility and readability.

Additionally, the design features a base of white and silver, accented with soft hues such as pale green and blue.

By avoiding strong colors and excessive ornamentation, we aimed to create a design that blends seamlessly into the hotel’s various spaces while evoking a sense of “relief” the moment you pick it up.

“A moment at the hotel to step away from daily life and rejuvenate body and mind.”

The new design embodies our desire for these amenities to accompany guests during that time and serve as a catalyst for them to take care of themselves.

■Nine Care Products from the Olive Well Line

The renewed product lineup consists of a total of nine items—centered on the “Olive Well Series,” which includes a facial wash, toner, cream, and beauty oil—and covers a wide range of care needs during a hotel stay, from makeup remover and body and hand care to hair care, face masks, and bath salts.

[Skincare | Olive Well Series]

Product Name: DHC Mild Moisture Wash

Product Features: A mild facial cleanser that removes impurities while preserving moisture.

Size: 3g (1–2 uses)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H80mm

Product Name: DHC Medicated Mild Lotion a

Product Features: Formulated with “Olive Ferment Extract*1.” It infuses the skin with refreshing moisture and

　　　　　　 refines skin texture, and leads to a bright, clear complexion—

　　　　　　 a rich, moisturizing medicated lotion.

Volume: 2 mL (single use)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H80mm

Product Name: DHC Olive Essential Cream

Product Features: Formulated with “Flor de Aceite*2” and “Olive Ferment Extract*1.”

　　　　　　 A cream that moisturizes the skin, helping to create plump, firm, and elastic skin.

Volume: 1 g (single use)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H50mm

Product Name: DHC Virgin Olive Oil

Product Features: A 100% natural, organic beauty oil that harnesses the benefits of olives to protect the skin.

Volume: 1 mL (approx. 8 applications)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H50mm

[Plus One Care]

Product Name: DHC Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil

Product Features: A moisturizing cleansing oil that thoroughly removes makeup and impurities from pores.

Volume: 3 mL (1 use)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H80mm

Product Name: DHC Amenity Body & Hand Milk

Product Features: A body and hand milk that glides on smoothly and provides moisture.

Volume: 3 mL (single use)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H85mm

Product Name: DHC Amenity Hair Milk

Product Features: A leave-in hair treatment that moisturizes hair and helps it stay manageable

　　　　　　 A leave-in hair treatment.

Volume: 3 mL (single use)

Product Dimensions: W50mm × H85mm

[Special Care]

Product Name: DHC Double Moisture Mask

Product Features: Deep penetration*3 and moisture retention. Formulated with hyaluronic acids that work in different ways to

　　　　　　 this sheet mask helps achieve soft, supple skin.

Quantity: 1 sheet (soaked in 20 mL of essence / single use)

Product Size: W150mm × H90mm

Product Name: DHC Beauty Bath Powder, Forest Scent

Product Features: Formulated with 11 types of beauty essences and 3 types of mineral ingredients.

　　　　　　 A bath additive that lets you enjoy an elegant bath while enveloped in a pleasant fragrance.

Capacity: 30g (single use)

Product Dimensions: W80mm × H130mm

*1: Yeast extract (1) in Medicated Mild Lotion A; Saccharomyces (Olive/Sucrose) Ferment Filtrate in Olive Essential Cream. Both are moisturizing ingredients.

*2: Olive fruit oil. An emollient ingredient.

*3: Penetrates to the stratum corneum.

■Release Date

September 1, 2026 (Tue)

■Company Overview

Company Name: H.I.G. Co., Ltd.

Representative: Masanobu Okusako, Representative Director

Established: February 2005

Capital: 50,000,000 yen

Business Activities: Planning and sales of DHC amenity products

URL: https://www.dhc-amenity.com/

■Background of the Online Store Launch

At SARAri, we have been serving freshly baked Baumkuchen and baked goods at our store every day at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Until now, our customers have primarily been those living near the store, but

“I’d like to purchase it even from far away,”

“I’d like to use them as gifts,”

we have decided to launch an online store focused primarily on baked goods other than Baumkuchen.

■Product Lineup

We are offering the 8 types of baked goods regularly available in our store as 6 different assortment sets.

Baked Goods Categories

[Ichihara Set]

This set includes one pack each of the following six varieties: Baumkuchen Shop Rusk, Roll Cookies (Plain), Roll Cookies (Matcha), Roll Cookies (Chocolate), Coffee Cookies, and Tea Cookies.

Ichihara Set

[Sarashina Set]

This set includes one pack each of the following six varieties: Baumkuchen Shop Rusk, Rolled Cookies (Plain), Rolled Cookies (Matcha), Rolled Cookies (Chocolate), Donut-Shaped Cookies (Lemon), and Donut-Shaped Cookies (Syrup).

Price: 3,300 yen (tax included) per set (shipping charges apply separately)

Sarashina Set

■ Online Store Launch Celebration

To celebrate the launch, the first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive a complimentary SARAri original cotton market bag.

Grand Opening Celebration (Cotton Market Bag)

■ A Message from the Store Manager

Haruka Norimatsu, Store Manager, Baumkuchen Café SARAri

“I’m delighted that we can now share SARAri’s sweets with even more people through our online store. I hope SARAri’s sweets will become a part of your daily lives—whether as a little treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special.”

■Online Store URL

https://sarari0201.base.shop/

■Store Overview

Store Name: SARAri

Address: 2-7-3 Sarashina, Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture

Business Activities: Manufacture and sale of Baumkuchen and baked goods; café operations

Official Website: https://sarari-baumkuchen.studio.site/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarari_0201/

Store Manager: Haruka Norimatsu

Details URL: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/autumn-early-bird

[What Is the “Autumn Travel Early Bird Web Ticket”?]

The “Autumn Travel Early Bird Web Ticket” is an early-booking discount ticket valid from September 1 (Tue) to November 3 (Tue), which coincides with the fall foliage season on the Alpine Route.By booking online at least 10 days in advance, you can enjoy great savings on seven popular routes—including the [Ogizawa–Tetsudo Toyama (one-way)] route, which allows you to fully experience all the main areas—at a lower price than the standard fare.This ticket is recommended for trips to enjoy the fall foliage, including Murodo-daira—where the leaves begin to change in September—as well as the areas around Daikanbo and Kurobe-daira, which reach their peak in October and beyond, and Kurobe Dam.

Autumn at Murododaira and Mikurigaike pond (September 2025)

Autumn Foliage in the Daikanbo and Kurobe-daira Area (October 2025)

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Autumn Foliage Peak Season Map

■ Sales Period: On sale starting Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m.

■Valid Period: September 1 (Tue) – November 3 (Tue)

■Covered Sections (Selected from all 7 sections)

・One-Way Through Course

[Ogizawa → Dentetsu Toyama (one-way)] or [Dentetsu Toyama → Ogizawa (one-way)]

○ Adults: 12,360 yen → 11,250 yen (1,110 yen savings)

○ Child: 6,190 yen → 5,630 yen (560 yen savings)

・Round-trip Route

[Ogizawa ⇔ Murodo (Round Trip)]

○ Adults: 12,300 yen → 11,300 yen (1,000 yen savings)

〇 Child: 6,150 yen → 5,650 yen (500 yen savings)

[Tateyama Station ⇔ Kurobeko (Round-trip)]

○ Adults: 16,480 yen → 14,900 yen (1,580 yen savings)

〇 Child: 8,240 yen → 7,450 yen (790 yen savings)

*All prices include tax

■Details URL: https://www.alpen-route.com/en/autumn-early-bird