TOKYO, May 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") today announced a strategic partnership with Anthropic PBC (“Anthropic”), a global leader in AI safety research and trusted AI models, to further strengthen the “Lumada 3.0” business model.As artificial intelligence evolves beyond cyberspace to directly influence real-world systems-otherwise known as physical AI-demand is rapidly growing for the safe and seamless deployment of AI in mission-critical environments.This alliance combines Hitachi and Anthropic will combine Hitachi’s deep domain knowledge built over more than 110 years, along with its expertise in IT, OT (operational technology), and products, with Anthropic’s frontier AI capabilities. Together, the companies will accelerate the advancement of system engineering, operations, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors including energy, transportation, manufacturing, and finance. By enabling safer, more resilient, and intelligent operations of these infrastructures, the partnership will contribute to advancing AI transformation (AX) for customers and society at large.To maximize value...

Tokyo and Kawasaki, Japan, May 19, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMBC Group), Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu), and SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) today announced they entered into a basic agreement regarding a business alliance (the Alliance) in the health and medical fields with the objective of ensuring the continued sustainability of Japan’s healthcare system, which is based on universal health insurance. The agreement, concluded on May 18, will see the three companies build a Japan-developed healthcare platform aimed at achieving sustainable healthcare, contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancy of citizens, optimizing the management of healthcare institutions, and curbing national healthcare costs.Under the Alliance, the companies will establish a data platform that enables the secure and appropriate management and utilization of medical data held within healthcare information systems, based on individual consent. In addition, by combining this medical data with personal health data that is controlled by individuals themselves—also linked and managed based on individual consent—they will develop app-based ...

KAWASAKI, Japan, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited announced that it has implemented “FinSnaviCloud,” a cloud service supporting inheritance-related procedures, at Ashikaga Bank. This service is offered as part of Personalized Experience [1] , an offering from "Uvance for Finance", that integrates real and digital to realize optimal financial services for each individual. Ashikaga Bank will begin operating the service on May 18, 2026. This service is a cloud service for financial institutions that handles inheritance-related procedures, from acceptance to disbursement.Through implementation of “FinSnaviCloud”, Fujitsu will support Ashikaga Bank in enhancing the convenience of inheritance procedures for its customers, while simultaneously improving efficiency and promoting paperless workflows through the centralization of inheritance operations at its headquarters. This initiative directly contributes to the digitalization efforts of Ashikaga Bank, which is actively strengthening its response to the increasing number of inheritance cases driven by the rising elderly population in Tochigi Prefecture.BackgroundJapan is exper...

TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sharp Corporation will exhibit at The 3rd SPEXA - Space Business Expo, to be held from May 27 to May 29, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo). At the exhibition, Sharp will unveil for the first time a concept model of a satellite communications user terminal (*2) that supports multi-orbit operations, enabling seamless communications while leveraging satellite communications networks across multiple orbital regimes. Sharp will also showcase a range of satellite communications user terminals, including a design model for MEO applications, which deliver stable communication performance even under harsh conditions thanks to their high G/T performance (*3).Main Exhibits1. Satellite Communication User TerminalsSatellite communications enable stable connectivity even in environments where cellular networks are difficult to access, such as mountainous areas and maritime regions. Leveraging its communications technologies as well as compact and lightweight design expertise cultivated through smartphone development, Sharp is advancing the development of satellite communications user terminals optimized for the characteristics of L...

TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received a Technical Verification Report from the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center (JESC) for its "Fluidized Bed-type Gasification and Reforming System" as part of JESC's Waste Treatment Technology Verification Project.MHIEC submitted this technology for the project in 2025. Following technical reviews by the Technical Verification Committee a total of four times, the verification results indicate that the system is at a level for practical application in terms of technology.The technology submitted for verification is a waste treatment system that crushes and dries municipal solid waste, and using a fluidized bed-type gasification reformer(*), converts it into syngas containing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) for use as the raw material for ethanol production. The primary feature of the system is the ability to provide a stable supply of syngas with low dust and tar that is suitable for making ethanol.JESC's Waste Treatment Technology Verification Project was established t...

 TOKYO, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received two highly prestigious awards at A' Design Award 2026, an international design competition in Italy, for its in-house developed Hydrolution EZY Series of air-to-water (ATW) heat pumps for the European market that utilize the natural refrigerant R290(1) and the ZT Series of residential-use air-conditioners for the overseas market(2).The A' Design Award is an international design competition established in Italy in 2008. The award aims to elevate the quality of design around the world, and promote the appreciation and understanding of excellent design. Categories include products, architecture, and fashion. At this year's awards, the Hydrolution EZY Series received the Platinum Award, given to the top 1% of entries, and the ZT Series won the Golden Award, presented to the next top 2% of submissions.Hydrolution EZY is a series of monobloc type ATW heat pumps utilizing the natural refrigerant R290. The series was designed by the Italian design firm Tensa Industrial Design. The black unit i...

Lake Mary, FL, United States, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Tallgrass and Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. today announced the delivery location for the first two M501JAC gas turbines that will support Phase 1 of Tallgrass’ Cheyenne Power Hub in southeast Wyoming.The high-efficiency turbines are expected to provide approximately 1,150 megawatts (MW) of site-ready power fueled by natural gas supplied through Tallgrass' Rockies Express Pipeline, leveraging the region's existing energy infrastructure.Representing an investment that will exceed $7 billion and is expected to create over 100 long-term local jobs, the Cheyenne Power Hub will deliver dedicated, on-site power to a large-scale data center within the Switchgrass Industrial Park.Deliberately designed to minimize community impacts, the use of dedicated power will avoid strain on the existing electricity grid and will help ensure local ratepayers are not responsible for the costs associated with new data center demand.Concurrently, the strategic decision to incorporate a grid interconnection will enable the project to support future renewable integration, while its proximity to Tallgrass’ Trai...

TOKYO // HONG KONG, May 18, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd, the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd, Japan’s only international payment brand, and Wonder Ventures Limited, a leading payments and fintech platform in the Asia Pacific, announced that JCB Cards are now accepted on Wonder Taxi in Hong Kong.From April 1, 2026, all taxi drivers in Hong Kong are required by the Transport Department to provide at least two electronic payment methods, including one QR‑code e‑payment method and one non‑QR method, such as credit cards. With JCB now integrated into Wonder Taxi’s in‑vehicle solution, drivers using Wonder can meet the new requirement while offering passengers a secure, convenient way to pay.Passengers can tap, scan or pay by JCB Card, with fares processed through Wonder’s platform and JCB’s global network, reducing the need to handle cash or wait for change.For drivers, this helps streamline payment at the end of each journey and aligns their business with Hong Kong’s broader move towards smart mobility. “The government’s move to mandate e-payments is ...

TOKYO, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has completed construction of the East Micronesia Cable System (EMCS), a submarine cable connecting three Pacific island nations. The cable has been handed over, to the Federated States of Micronesia's (FSM) submarine cable operator, FSM Telecommunications Cable Corporation (FSMTCC), the Republic of Kiribati's state-owned telecommunications company Bwebweriki Net Limited (BNL), and the Republic of Nauru's state-owned telecommunications company Cenpac Corporation.Submarine cable landing on Tarawa IslandEMCS is a submarine cable spanning approximately 2,250 km, connecting three countries and four islands in the Pacific island region: the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, and Nauru. Specifically, it connects from Tarawa Island in Kiribati to Nauru Island, then via Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia to Pohnpei.This is the first optical submarine cable connecting the state of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia, Tarawa in Kiribati, and Nauru. Previously, telecommunications was limited to satellite communications, resulting in issues such as communication delays and u...

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo) today announced the establishment of the "Fujitsu Quantum and HPC Infrastructure Collaborative Research Cluster" at Science Tokyo. This collaborative research cluster aims to systematically and practically develop human resources with quantum hardware technology in Japan. The initiative is part of Fujitsu's "Fujitsu Small Research Lab" program [1] and utilizes the Science Tokyo Collaborative Research Cluster System [2], with support from Open Innovation Office of the Center for Innovation Management [3]. The new cluster will operate as a collaborative research cluster, expanding beyond traditional High Performance Computing (HPC) to include the quantum hardware field.Through this collaborative research cluster, both parties will strengthen their technological capabilities by researching quantum hardware design, manufacturing, control, and evaluation technologies essential for realizing practical quantum computers. They will also foster talent to support next-generation quantum computing platforms and initiate efforts to pioneer new researc...

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Japan, May 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and IBM Japan, Ltd. today announced the formalization of a collaboration within the healthcare domain, building on considerations first announced in September 2025. To accelerate data integration, the two companies will promote the development of a sovereign cloud platform for medical use and the joint utilization of medical AI solutions.The two companies will run their electronic health record solutions on Fujitsu’s sovereign cloud platform, enable data integration across multiple medical institutions, and facilitate the utilization of AI based on the needs of healthcare providers in Japan. This collaboration aims to provide healthcare institutions with a cloud-based medical information system option that ensures data sovereignty by allowing control over the technologies used within Japan, while also addressing structural challenges facing the healthcare industry and creating social value.Expanding medical demand and limitations of the healthcare systemJapan's healthcare system faces increasing medical demand due to a rapidly aging society. Medical expenses continue to grow and ...

Toyota City, Japan, May 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced the addition of the FJ series to the Land Cruiser lineup in Japan, with sales commencing on May 14.Land Cruiser FJThe FJ(*1) series, which joins the existing three Land Cruiser series (300, 70, and 250)(*2), was developed with the aim of allowing even more customers to effortlessly enjoy the Land Cruiser. Based on the concept of "Freedom & Joy," the goal was to create a vehicle that allows customers with diverse lifestyles to embrace the freedom to go anywhere and enrich their lives with a variety of joyful experiences. To achieve this, the FJ series was crafted with an easy-to-handle size while retaining the essence of the Land Cruiser-reliability, durability, and off-road performance-which have supported people's lives for many years.As an off-roader that allows users to drive with confidence and freedom on any terrain, the FJ series features a highly durable and reliable ladder frame structure. It delivers excellent off-road performance through superior wheel articulation (maintaining tire contact with the ground) and achieves outstanding mobility through a short...

TOKYO // Riverwoods, IL, May 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB and Discover® Network mark 20 years of collaboration, reflecting on two decades of working together to support reciprocal card acceptance and deliver more seamless, reliable payment experiences.Takayoshi Futae, Chairman & CEO of JCB, alongside Jason Hanson, President of Discover NetworkSince 2006, the companies have maintained reciprocal acceptance arrangements that enable Discover cardholders to use their cards across JCB’s acceptance network in Japan, and JCB cardholders to use their cards across Discover Network in the United States. While the payments industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, this collaboration has contributed to the development and growth of both companies.Building on this remarkable partnership milestone, JCB and Discover Network will further collaborate to advance select initiatives that contribute to greater interoperability, efficiency, and consistency across both networks. As part of this enhanced cooperation, the companies will explore opportunities to streamline processes and reduce operational complexity, aiming to create an environment where existing ...

LONDON, May 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Asset Value Investors Limited (“AVI”) has submitted shareholder proposals on one of AVI Japan Opportunity Trust’s (“AJOT”) portfolio companies, Wacom Corporation (TSE: 6727, “Wacom”) calling for board changes ahead of Wacom’s upcoming Annual General Meeting in June. AVI, Wacom’s largest shareholder on behalf of all the portfolios it manages, is seeking the dismissal of two directors and the appointment of one external director.Alongside these proposals, AVI has disclosed additional material on its Wacom campaign, including a detailed presentation on an updated dedicated website (www.DrawWacomsFuture.com).Since initiating its investment in Wacom in August 2021, AVI has sought various forms of engagement aimed at enhancing the company’s long-term corporate value as Wacom’s largest shareholder. However, the Branded Business, one of Wacom’s principal business segments, fell into loss from FY2023/3 onwards, and business growth has stalled amid the implementation of large-scale restructuring measures. Furthermore, AVI has serious concerns regarding Wacom&rsquo...

TOKYO, May 13, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Akasaka Heating & Cooling Supply Co., Ltd ("Akanetsu", a TBS Group company) held a Group "Hydrogen Heat Source Facility Commissioning Ceremony" on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.The company supplies heating, cooling, and electricity to various buildings in the Akasaka 5-chome district of Minato-ku, Tokyo. In renewing its heat source facilities, the company has introduced hydrogen utilization equipment designed with safety in mind, while considering the potential of green hydrogen as a next-generation energy source. Full-scale operations commenced in May 2026. This facility marks the first instance in Tokyo where a private heat supply operator, for commercial purposes, accepts and stores green hydrogen, utilizing it for power generation via fuel cells and for heat supply via hydrogen-co-fired boilers.First, Ryujiro Abe, President & Chief Executive Officer of TBS Holdings, stated: "The full-scale operation of this green hydrogen facility represents a major step towards the decarbonization of urban infrastructure, and demonstrates the potential of a new social infrastructure from Akasaka. Moving forward, we will continue to ...

TOKYO, May 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SPARX Group Co., Ltd. ("SPARX") has established the Mirai Creation Fund IV ("Fund IV"). The four seed LPs, Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota"), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation ("SMBC"), MUFG Bank, Ltd. ("MUFG") and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. ("Mizuho") will participate as initial investors in Fund IV.SPARX commenced the investment management operations of the Mirai Creation Fund III ("Fund III") in October 2021 and has since made investments across six categories: Intelligent Technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence), Robotics, Hydrogen Economy Electrification, New Materials, and Carbon Neutrality. The newly established Fund IV will consolidate this investment scope into three categories―Intelligent Technologies, Robotics, and Carbon Neutrality―as part of building on SPARX's investment track record and accumulated experience.In April 2024, SPARX also commenced the investment management operations of the Space Frontier Fund II, focusing on investments in space-related technologies.Now, SPARX has determined that incorporating such space-related technologies, which to date have solely been the investment focus of the S...

TOKYO // MANILA, May 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only international payment brand, has officially formalized partnership with the Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on April 30, 2026.The agreement was signed by CCAP Chairman Mr. Rolando P. Ebreo and President Ms. Geraldine C. Liggayu at the RCBC Office, Robinsons Equitable Tower, and by JCB International’s Mr. Takumi Takahashi, Executive Vice President, JCB International Co. Ltd., at JCB’s headquarters in Japan. CCAP’s signing was witnessed by Mr. Wataru Tamura, Country Manager, and Mr. Yasutaka Nomura, Business Development Head of JCBI International Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. – Manila Branch.This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of JCB and CCAP to Filipino consumers with the knowledge and tools to advance financial literacy and promote responsible credit card use across the Philippines. Key initiatives under the partnership include developing and localizing financial education materials tailored to the needs of Filipino consumers, an...

KAWASAKI, Japan, May 7, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has developed and launched the X, a new digital system utilizing Salesforce, to streamline the management functions, including mobilization and training support, for the registered Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel [1] in Japan for the Ministry of Defense. The system commenced operations in Japan in April 2026.ReSMS digitalizes and centralizes the management of Reserve Self-Defense Force personnel, including their mobilization and training support. This initiative contributes to the smooth and rapid operation of the Reserve Self-Defense Force system within the Ministry of Defense.OverviewReserve Self-Defense Force personnel are called upon during disasters or national emergencies to serve as Self-Defense Force personnel, engaging in duties such as garrison security and disaster relief. Previously, scheduling their mandatory annual training, which varies by assigned job type, was managed through postal mail and telephone, leading to significant time consumption for recruitment officers in handling registration and other procedures. To address these challenges, Fujitsu co...

MUMBAI, INDIA, May 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - KPMG in India and CleverTap today announced a strategic alliance to embed advanced customer engagement capabilities into enterprise transformation programs. The alliance brings together KPMG in India’s Connected Enterprise and advisory capabilities with CleverTap’s customer engagement and retention platform, enabling organisations to explore greater personalisation, while staying aligned with governance, security, and key business priorities.The alliance will focus on organisations across the BFSI (Banking and Financial Services), retail, and consumer markets. By integrating CleverTap’s analytics and orchestration capabilities into KPMG in India–led initiatives, the alliance is intended to provide organisations with pathways to more effectively connect customer data with execution and to explore more coordinated, lifecycle-based approaches to engagement.Together, KPMG in India is expected to contribute its consulting experience across operating model design, governance, risk, and compliance, alongside CleverTap’s integrated platform capabilities including  real-time analytics and AI-d...