Hoshizaki to Implement IFS Cloud for ERP Transformation Apr. 10, 2026. - Hoshizaki Corporation, a leading manufacturer of commercial foodservice equipment, has announced plans to implement IFS Cloud as its next-generation core system to transform its legacy ERP systems. The initiative aims to support over 700 users across two major production sites and establish a foundation for AI-enabled manufacturing optimization. Amid growing competition and product diversification, Hoshizaki views this as an opportunity […]
NEC’s AI Initiative Featured in Gartner Report on Procurement Transformation Apr. 10, 2026. - NEC Corporation's automated negotiation AI initiative has been recognized as a key use case in the Gartner research report “Deploy AI Agents in Procurement: A Roadmap to Success.” The report outlines strategies for chief information officers and executive leaders to implement machine buyers, a transformative AI capability designed to streamline internal supply chains and procurement processes. The inclusion of NEC's […]
Mitsubishi Motors Launches Xforce SUV in Malaysia, Exceeds Pre-Order Targets Apr. 8, 2026. - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced the launch of its Xforce compact SUV in Malaysia, with sales commencing on April 8, 2026. The vehicle, produced locally at the Pekan plant in Pahang, has already surpassed its initial pre-order target of 2,000 units since pre-orders opened on February 5, 2026. The Xforce is positioned as a new core model for the Malaysian […]
Mitsubishi and Algomatic Win Second Prize for AI-Based Skill Transfer Project Apr. 8, 2026. - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Algomatic Co., Ltd. have secured second prize at the GENIAC-PRIZE competition for their innovative project aimed at formalizing tacit knowledge in manufacturing through AI analysis. Their joint proposal focuses on the use of AI to analyze and compare videos of expert and novice workers performing Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. This method is crucial […]
Japan Golf Tour Forms New Entity to Boost Business and Fan Engagement Apr. 8, 2026. - The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) has announced the creation of a new entity, Japan Professional Golf Tour Co., Ltd. (J-Tour), to handle tour operations and enhance business development. This strategic move, effective from March 17, 2026, seeks to improve the value and sustainability of Japan's men's professional golf tours. Under the new organizational structure, J-Tour will collaborate closely with […]
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Secures Contract to Upgrade Atlanta Airport’s APM System Apr. 7, 2026. - Crystal Mover Services, Inc. (CMSI), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has secured a contract with the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation to renovate and upgrade the Automated People Mover (APM) system at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The contract spans a decade, from March 2026 to March 2036. The agreement involves a comprehensive renewal of the APM system, […]
JFE and Mitsubishi to Develop Power and Data Center Project Apr. 6, 2026. - JFE Holdings, Inc. and Mitsubishi Corporation have signed a second Memorandum of Understanding to advance a joint power business and data center project in the Ohgishima, Keihin District. The agreement follows an initial MOU signed in March 2025 to explore the feasibility of such a venture. The companies, in collaboration with MC Digital Realty, Inc., have conducted technical and commercial […]
DENSO Unveils CORE 2030 Mid-Term Management Plan at Dialog Day Apr. 2, 2026. - DENSO CORPORATION, a prominent mobility supplier, hosted its 'Mid-Term Management Plan Briefing: DENSO DIALOG DAY 2026' on March 31, 2026. During the event, the company introduced its Mid-Term Management Plan titled 'CORE 2030.' The briefing featured presentations from key executives, including President & CEO Shinnosuke Hayashi, Executive Vice President Yasushi Matsui, and Executive Vice President Yasuhiko Yamazaki. They outlined DENSO's […]
Latest News
- Japan’s Conveyor Belt Production Declines for Fourth Consecutive Year in 2025 Apr. 10, 2026The Japan Belting Manufacturers Association reported that Japanese domestic conveyor belt production totaled 6,110 tons in 2025, a 14 percent...
- Yokohama Rubber to Raise Prices on Replacement Tires in Japan Apr. 9, 2026Yokohama Rubber will raise the manufacturer’s shipment prices for replacement tires sold in the Japanese market by an average of...
- Tosoh to Raise Prices for All Chloroprene Rubber Grades Apr. 9, 2026Tosoh will raise prices for all grades of its chloroprene rubber (CR), marketed under the Skyprene brand, by at least...
- Kuraray to Raise Global Prices for TPE Products Apr. 9, 2026Kuraray will implement global price increases for its thermoplastic elastomers, including the Septon and Hybrar series, as well as TU...
- Denka to Raise Prices for Polyvinyl Alcohol Products Apr. 8, 2026Denka will raise prices for its polyvinyl alcohol product line, Denka Poval, effective for deliveries starting April 10. The price...
- Tosoh to Raise Prices for All Paste PVC Resin Grades Apr. 8, 2026Tosoh will increase prices for all grades of paste PVC resin by at least 45 yen ($0.28) per kilogram, effective...
- Kraton Polymer Japan Announces Additional Price Increases for TPE Apr. 8, 2026Kraton Polymer Japan has announced on March 30 the implementation of an additional price increase of 26–86 yen ($0.16-$0.54) per...
- Resin Hose Manufacturers Issue Successive Warnings Over Middle East Tensions Apr. 7, 2026Concerns raised by resin hose manufacturers over the potential impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East are now spreading...
- Spring 2026 New Graduate Hiring Trends Among Rubber-Related Companies Apr. 6, 2026Japan Rubber Weekly has conducted its annual survey on spring 2026 hiring trends among rubber-related companies (under the traditional Japanese...
- Shimadzu to Launch AI Intellectual Property Management Platform Apr. 3, 2026Shimadzu Corporation will begin offering to external organizations the automated intellectual property (IP) management platform developed and used by its...
Insight:
Japan’s Political System
Japan is a large and firmly established democracy in form of a constitutional monarchy in Asia. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Chemical Industry
People often do not realize that almost everything they touch in daily life originates in the chemical industry. The Japanese chemical industry is the third largest in the world. And it is the second largest manufacturing industry in Japan. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Automotive Industry
Japan is one of the most important auto-making countries in the world. Brands like Toyota, Honda or Suzuki are household names worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Machinery Industry
Japan has one of the most important industrial machinery industries in the world. It is home to a broad range of famous brands, globally renowned for their history and high quality. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Rubber Industry
Tires, cars, or buildings: Modern life is unthinkable without rubber. And Japan boasts one of the most developed rubber industries worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Newspaper Structure
Most people in the West are familiar with 3-tiered newspaper structures. Japan’s 5-tier system is more differentiated. Learn more
