TOKYO, July 15, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition center for Japanese anime operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Association of Japanese Animations, is a facility that promotes the appeal of Japanese anime to the world under the motto “Making ANIME more interesting, Bringing ANIME far into the future.” Since opening in October 2023, the facility has welcomed numerous visitors from Japan and overseas, and on June 20, 2026, the number of visitors reached 300,000.

The 300,000th visitors marking this milestone were a pair of guests. To commemorate surpassing 300,000 visitors, they were presented with anime goods sold at the goods store on the second floor, and they shared their surprise and delight: “I’m so happy—I never imagined I would be the 300,000th visitor!” When asked about which exhibits left an impression on them, they commented, “I’ve been watching BLEACH since I was little, and today I got to experience ‘Bankai’ through the digital content on the second floor. It’s amazing that you can experience all this for free.”

Anime Tokyo Station preserves approximately 50,000 valuable materials related to past anime production processes on the first basement floor. The facility also exhibits the production process for traditional hand-drawn animation prior to the use of digital methods, introducing the production tools used at the time and materials created during the production process. In addition, special exhibitions on popular anime are held regularly on the second floor, introducing works currently being broadcast as well as titles that are attracting attention overseas.

As a facility where a variety of people such as travelers visiting Tokyo from all over the world can discover both classic masterpieces and the latest popular series, and enjoy the appeal of anime from a variety of perspectives, Anime Tokyo Station will continue to share the appeal of anime and Tokyo with a wide range of anime fans both in Japan and overseas.

Exhibit Currently Being Held

- Second floor

TV Anime “BLEACH: THE BLOOD WARFARE - The Calamity” Special Exhibition (until August 16, 2026)

More information: https://animetokyo.jp/en/archives/events/events75/

- First basement floor

“ChaO” Special Exhibition (until July 31, 2026)

More information: https://animetokyo.jp/en/archives/events/events76/

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as "Anime Tokyo")
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m. / Special exhibitions close: 6:30 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year's holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS：	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/(@animetokyostation) YouTube｜https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of "Anime Tokyo Station" (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp 

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260715.pdf 

TOKYO, July 14, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Anime Tokyo Station is an anime exhibition site focused on Japanese anime content, which has developed a devout fan base around the world. From May 30, 2026 to August 16, 2026, it will be holding the TV Anime “BLEACH: THE BLOOD WARFARE - The Calamity” Special Exhibition. A sneak preview was held for the press on May 29, the day before the exhibition opened.

This special exhibition will feature past key visuals from the TV animation series “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War,” as well as life-size character panels and a full-scale replica of the Zanpakuto “Zangetsu.” Additionally, visitors can relive the story through panels showcasing scenes from “Thousand-Year Blood War.” The exhibition will also feature the exhibition’s original digital content that allows visitors to experience the world of Bankai. The entire exhibition is designed to let visitors enjoy the charm and worldbuilding of the series with an immersive experience.

Please visit Tokyo Anime Station and enjoy the thrilling worldbuilding and exhibits of the TV animation series “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War.”

Exhibits

©K/STDP

About the Series

What is “BLEACH”?

BLEACH is a smash-hit, sword-battle action manga by Tite Kubo that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. Even after its conclusion, the series continues to enjoy enduring popularity worldwide, with over 130 million copies sold. The animated TV series, which began airing in October 2004, has produced over 360 episodes to date, along with four feature films.

The final arc, Thousand-Year Blood War, premiered in October 2022 on TV TOKYO and other networks. The final part, BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity, is scheduled to be broadcast on July 25th 2026.

TV animation series “BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War” Official Website: https://bleach-anime.com/en/
Official X: @BLEACHanimation
Official Instagram: @bleach_official_anime
Official TikTok: @bleach.official

Event Overview

Title:	TV Anime “BLEACH: THE BLOOD WARFARE - The Calamity” Special Exhibition
Dates:	May 30, 2026 to August 16, 2026
Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as "Anime Tokyo")
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m. / Special exhibitions close: 6:30 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year's holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS：	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/(@animetokyostation) YouTube｜https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of "Anime Tokyo Station" (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp 

PDF: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260714.pdf 

TOKYO, July 9, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB Co., Ltd. (JCB), Resona Holdings, Inc. (Resona) and ODAWARA AUTO-MACHINE MFG. Co., Ltd. (ODAWARA) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly develop and implement Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless payment solutions for public bus services.

This initiative builds on the basic agreement signed on March 4, 2026, between JCB and Resona for the commercialization of UWB payments. With ODAWARA — Japan’s leading manufacturer of fare collection equipment for transit operators — joining the alliance, the three companies will accelerate the practical application of this technology in the public transportation sector.

UWB is a next-generation wireless communication technology that features high-speed data transmission and highly accurate positioning capabilities. Unlike conventional contactless (NFC) or QR code payments, UWB enables completely hands-free transactions. Passengers can board and alight seamlessly without the need to tap smartphones or scan devices.

Background and Objectives

While global expectations for UWB applications in standard ticket gates and retail checkouts are rising, hands-free solutions for open-boarding public transportation — such as buses and streetcars without physical gates — have remained technologically challenging.

Concurrently, the Japanese bus industry faces critical challenges, including driver shortages and an aging workforce. Drivers are increasingly burdened by managing diverse payment methods and assisting passengers with fare inquiries, which often causes delays during peak congestion.

To address these pressing issues, JCB, Resona, and ODAWARA will launch a joint project in collaboration with active bus operators. Technical and payment verification (including precise boarding/alighting data capture) will commence in FY2026, with small-scale commercial rollouts in FY2027, aiming for full-scale commercial deployment in FY2028.

Roadmap

FY2026: Launch of technical trials and Proof of Concept (PoC) with bus operators
FY2027: Initial small-scale commercial implementation
FY2028: Full-scale commercial deployment and expansion

Anticipated Benefits

For Passengers (Users):

• Completely Hands-Free: No need to take out smartphones, wallets, or cards when boarding or exiting.
• Personalized Mobility Services: Real-time, location-based value delivery via smartphones or in-vehicle displays, including targeted coupons, loyalty points, transit guidance, and congested-route alerts.  

For Bus Operators:

• Operational Efficiency: Significant reduction in driver workload by eliminating manual fare handling and onboard payment troubleshooting.
• Enhanced Safety and Punctuality: Shorter boarding times mitigate delays, allowing drivers to focus entirely on safe driving.
• Data-Driven Operations: Leveraging high-precision UWB location data to visualize congestion patterns and optimize fleet scheduling.

Future Outlook

As part of this strategic collaboration, ODAWARA has officially joined the FiRa® Consortium to actively promote the global standardization of UWB technology in transit payment use cases. Together with consortium partners, JCB, Resona, and ODAWARA will drive technical architecture standardization and user experience (UX) design.

Looking beyond public transportation, the three companies intend to collaborate with a diverse range of domestic and international partners to expand the UWB payment ecosystem into smart retail, MaaS (Mobility as a Service), and smart city infrastructure.

Corporate Profiles & Media Contacts

About FiRa Consortium

The FiRa Consortium is a member-driven organization dedicated to transforming the way we interact with our environment by enabling precise location awareness for people and devices using the secured fine-ranging and positioning capabilities of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. FiRa does this by driving the development of technical specifications and certification, advocating for effective regulations, and by defining a broad set of use cases for UWB. To learn more about UWB and the FiRa Consortium, visit: www.firaconsortium.org.

About ODAWARA AUTO-MACHINE MFG. Co., Ltd.

Guided by our corporate motto, “Serving society with a pioneering spirit,” we specialize in fare collection equipment for public transportation, such as local buses. By delivering innovative products, services, and digital transformation (DX) solutions, we aim to improve the sustainability of public transportation and revitalize local communities.

For more information, please visit: https://www.odawarakiki.com/ 

About Resona Holdings, Inc.

With the Group's purpose of "Beyond Finance, for a Brighter Future." we continue to take on the challenge of transformation and creation in order to transform the future into a positive one with ideas that go beyond the framework of finance. Adhering to our basic stance of "customer joy is Resona's joy," we will work to "strengthen value creativity" and "next-generation management infrastructure" to respond to customers and local communities.

For more information, please visit: https://www.resona-gr.co.jp/holdings/english/

About JCB Co., Ltd.

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide.

For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Media Contacts

JCB Corporate Communications
Anna Takeda
Tel: +81-3-5778-8353
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp

ODAWARA AUTO-MACHINE MFG. Co., Ltd.
Email: contact_NBPD@odawarakiki.com 

Osaka, Japan, June 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with major global satellite operator and space solutions provider SES (*1) to collaborate on satellite communication services. The two companies will begin discussions toward deploying SES's Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite communication service "O3b mPOWER" (*2) in Japan.

SES provides multi-orbit connectivity services worldwide, supporting applications ranging from media distribution to high-performance connectivity for aviation, maritime, government, and enterprise sectors. SES's "O3b mPOWER" is a MEO satellite communication network that delivers high-throughput, low-latency, and secure connectivity with predictable performance. A key strength of the service is its ability to dynamically allocate the required capacity to mission-critical applications and areas with high communication demand. Sharp has been developing flat-panel satellite communication user terminals (*3) compatible with SES's "O3b mPOWER". These terminals leverage Sharp's core communication technologies and compact, lightweight design expertise cultivated through smartphone development.

Sharp will collaborate with SES to combine SES's satellite connectivity network with Sharp's advanced communication technologies and user terminals, with the aim of exploring the provision of satellite services in Japan. The collaboration will focus on industrial use cases in areas such as maritime and mountainous regions, where terrestrial networks—such as cellular—are unreliable or unavailable. Potential use cases include enabling connectivity for heavy machinery and equipment in remote locations and managing the operations of autonomous vehicles. Through this initiative, Sharp aims to provide end-to-end solutions, spanning equipment sales, system deployment, and ongoing operations, to support dependable connectivity in such environments.

Comment from Jean-Philippe Gillet,
President, Fixed Vertical, SES S.A.

"Japan is a key innovation market with growing demand for high-performance connectivity beyond terrestrial networks. Through our collaboration with Sharp, we are bringing together MEO capabilities and advanced terminal innovation to enable scalable connectivity across key mobility and industrial segments. Together, we are committed to developing the services and technologies needed to support these use cases and to drive the continued expansion of the MEO market in Japan."

Comment from Shigeru Kobayashi,
Executive Officer, Co-COO and Head of Smart Workplace Business Group, Sharp Corporation

"The memorandum of understanding with SES marks an important step that will accelerate our efforts toward building next-generation communications environments. At Sharp, we aim to open up the future for people by integrating AI into all aspects of how people live and work. Achieving this vision requires a reliable communications environment available anywhere. By combining SES's high-performance and reliable satellite communications infrastructure with Sharp's advanced satellite user terminals, as well as our expertise in communications technologies, we will drive this initiative with steady progress."

*1 An operator that owns and operates satellites to provide communication services globally. Headquarters: Betzdorf, Luxembourg; CEO: Adel Al-Saleh.
*2 SES's MEO satellites orbit at an altitude of approximately 8,000 km. Compared to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) at approximately 36,000 km, MEO offers significantly lower communication latency. Compared to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at altitudes below 2,000 km, MEO provides stable coverage over wide areas. This enables reliable connectivity even in remote locations and challenging environments.
*3 A terminal that integrates a flat-panel antenna—thin, lightweight, and flat in form, unlike conventional parabolic antennas—with modem functionality. It offers excellent installability and portability.

- This development is supported by funding from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). (Project ID: JPJ012368G50501)

About Sharp

For more than 110 years, Sharp Corporation has been developing pioneering, world‑first and industry-first products and technologies primarily in electronics. Based on its business creed "Sincerity and Creativity" the company has established its corporate slogan "In step with your future." and aims to create New Cultures through innovative products and services in every aspect of how people live and work. For more information, please visit: https://global.sharp/

TOKYO, Japan, June 24, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it has become the first company in Japan to deploy Nokia's MantaRay AutoPilot system, an AI-driven system that automatically optimizes mobile network quality, effective June 19.*1 To accelerate deployment, DOCOMO implemented MantaRay AutoPilot on a public cloud, marking the world's first case of optimizing a commercial mobile network via this system on a public cloud.*2

DOCOMO previously introduced Nokia's MantaRay SON*3 in November 2025, reducing manual workloads while enabling faster and more precise network-quality improvements.*4 Although MantaRay SON automated network optimization through closed-loop control—continuously monitoring network conditions and automatically adjusting settings accordingly—pre-design of parameters and configuration policies still had to be performed manually, making it challenging to configure parameter design and policies in real-time based on changing congestion patterns.

MantaRay AutoPilot eliminates this requirement by automatically designing network parameters and policies, and executing real-time optimization. With MantaRay AutoPilot, DOCOMO simply specifies desired quality targets, known as “intents,”*5 and the AI then analyzes base station quality and performance to determine the optimal parameter design and execution schedules. Working seamlessly with MantaRay SON, the system can complete a full optimization cycle in as little as 15 minutes.

By continuously repeating this process around the clock, the AI dynamically optimizes parameter design based on congestion patterns across locations and times of day, a task that was difficult for MantaRay SON alone. This enables ongoing network optimization and more stable data communication across a wide range of usage environments.

To implement MantaRay AutoPilot, DOCOMO adopted a public cloud architecture that optimizes the network directly from the cloud. This approach enabled rapid implementation without being constrained by hardware procurement lead times. DOCOMO also plans to integrate the system with various cloud-based AI platforms in the future.

Through its deployment of MantaRay AutoPilot, DOCOMO intends to achieve Autonomous Networks Level 4, the level of network autonomy defined by the global industry association TM Forum.*6 At this level, AI can predict network conditions and autonomously manage the network without human intervention.

DOCOMO will continue evaluating the system's effectiveness in commercial operations, aiming to advance AI-driven network management to deliver higher-quality communication services to customers.

*1 Based on DOCOMO research as of June 22, 2026.
*2 Based on DOCOMO research as of June 22, 2026.
*3 A self-organizing network (SON) automatically optimizes radio and network conditions through base station collaboration. Nokia's MantaRay SON is one such product.
*4 From the Nokia press release (Nov. 25, 2025): “ Nokia introduces MantaRay SON to NTT DOCOMO's multi-vendor 5G network ”
(https://www.nokia.com/newsroom/nokia-introduces-mantaray-son-to-ntt-docomos-multi-vendor-5g-network/).
*5 An operator's targets for its system (e.g., maintain communication quality in a specific area above X Mbps).
*6 A global nonprofit alliance of telecom and IT companies that establishes industry standards and best practices.

All company, product, and service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 93 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/

Tokyo, London, and Madrid, June 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - JCB is pleased to announce that JCB Contactless is now available for use on Metro de Madrid, enabling cardmembers to access the metro network with a simple tap of their card or mobile device.

From June 2026, passengers can enter metro stations by tapping their contactless-enabled JCB Cards or mobile wallets directly at fare gates. While card payments have already been available at metro station ticket machines, this new functionality allows users to bypass ticket purchases and access the network more efficiently, helping to reduce waiting times, particularly during peak hours, by tapping directly at fare gates.

The rollout covers Metro de Madrid’s extensive network of 303 stations and forms part of the operator’s broader modernization efforts to improve passenger flow and overall accessibility. The solution is supported by upgraded gate infrastructure, including EMV-enabled readers that allow secure contactless transactions with international payment cards and mobile devices.

The introduction of JCB Contactless at fare gates enhances accessibility for international travellers, including JCB Cardmembers visiting Madrid, by enabling direct and familiar access to public transportation without the need to purchase tickets in advance. This development also reflects the growing global trend of contactless transit payments in major metropolitan areas, supporting JCB’s continued expansion in Europe and its commitment to improving payment convenience for its more than 181 million cardmembers worldwide.

Ray Shinzawa, Managing Director, JCB Europe said: “Enabling JCB Contactless on Metro de Madrid represents an important step in expanding everyday acceptance for our cardmembers across Europe. Public transportation is a key touchpoint for international travellers, and by allowing passengers to simply tap and travel, this rollout makes the metro network more accessible and efficient, particularly during busy periods. As more cities adopt contactless transit solutions, we will continue to strengthen our acceptance network to deliver seamless and convenient payment experiences for our cardmembers worldwide.”

About JCB

JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 72 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 181 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/

Media Contacts:

JCB (Head Office in Japan) 
Anna Takeda
Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp

JCB International (Europe) Ltd.
Diana Lee
Email: dlee@jcbeurope.eu 

TOKYO, June 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT, President: OHNO Hideo, Ph.D.), Sharp Corporation (Sharp, CEO: KAWAMURA Tetsuji), Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Mitsubishi Chemical, President and CEO: CHIKUMOTO Manabu), and TECHLAB Co., Ltd. (TECHLAB, President and Representative Director: HATAKEYAMA Hiroshi) jointly reduced the total weight of a planar antenna for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network)*1 applications by 47% (from 5.5 kg to 2.9 kg) through a new heat dissipation device design.

This was achieved by integrating a CFRP*2 heat dissipation device using a composite material combining carbon fiber prepreg*3 and graphite sheet*4 into the NTN planar antenna. The required electrical performance of the planar antenna was also confirmed. In addition, operation including the modem was confirmed as a satellite communication user terminal.

The achievement greatly expands the range of mobility platforms on which the terminal can be deployed, including drones and vehicles. It is expected to support the establishment of communication links in mountainous areas and disaster-affected regions, real-time transmission of location information from various types of mobility, and future applications such as autonomous driving, thereby representing a major step toward the realization of NTN.

Background

In NTN, satellite communications enable high-speed connectivity even in environments where terrestrial mobile communications are difficult, such as mountainous areas, offshore locations, remote islands, and disaster-affected regions. On the other hand, NTN planar antennas for satellite communication user terminals require tracking functionality for satellites and HAPS*5. This tracking function generates significant heat, making high thermal conductivity and effective heat dissipation essential. In addition, further miniaturization and weight reduction are essential in order to mount satellite communication user terminals on diverse mobility platforms. To address these challenges, the four parties have been jointly conducting R&D on materials with both high thermal conductivity and low weight, along with the design, molding, integration, and evaluation of heat dissipation devices.

Achievements

NICT, Sharp, Mitsubishi Chemical, and TECHLAB jointly achieved a 47% reduction in the weight of an NTN planar antenna through a new heat dissipation device design. In this achievement, NICT identified design guidelines for lightweight heat dissipation devices based on the weight and thermal conductivity challenges of conventional aluminum heat dissipation devices for planar antennas and conducted R&D on the composition of the novel composite material and the device structure adopted in this work (see Figure 1).

Mitsubishi Chemical developed the carbon fiber prepreg and graphite sheet materials used in the composite material, while TECHLAB established the design and molding technology for a heat dissipation device using the composite material. This enabled the fabrication of a CFRP heat dissipation device that takes advantage of the material’s low weight and high thermal conductivity, achieving a device weight of less than 1 kg. Sharp then integrated this CFRP heat dissipation device into the NTN planar antenna and achieved a 47% weight reduction (5.5 kg to 2.9 kg) (see Figure 2, Figure 3). Evaluation of antenna characteristics confirmed that differences in the radiation pattern were within the measurement error range of the terminal and that there was no difference in receive gain characteristics.

Furthermore, the newly developed NTN planar antenna was integrated with a modem and other components, and operation was confirmed as a satellite communication user terminal. This demonstrated that a much lighter satellite communication user terminal can be realized, falling within the payload capacity of widely used industrial drones, and can be directly mounted and operated on a wide range of mobility platforms, including drones and vehicles, thereby expanding the range of applicable mobility platforms.

Future Prospects

Going forward, the partners will conduct more detailed evaluations of heat dissipation performance and mountability, while studying optimal heat dissipation device designs for different terminal configurations and applications. With a view to practical implementation of ultra-compact and lightweight satellite communication user terminals for mobility applications, the partners will continue prototyping and demonstration efforts and aim to contribute to the future realization of NTN.

Roles of each organization

- NICT: Overall design and simulation of antennas for ultra-miniaturization and lightweight structures, including heat dissipation designs
- Sharp: Development of LEO satellite communication user terminals utilizing miniaturization and communication technologies cultivated in smartphone design
- Mitsubishi Chemical: Development of new lightweight, high thermal conductivity composite materials for heat dissipation plates
- TECHLAB: Molding and processing technologies for the new composite materials 

TOKYO, June 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation introduces the AQUOS R11 high-end smartphone. In addition to a function that uses AI to automatically adjust the zoom level according to the subject, it newly features capabilities that create a comfortable space by lighting and sound. These enhancements not only improve usability during photography but also expand the ways users can enjoy their smartphones in everyday life. Sales will begin sequentially in Japan and Taiwan on and after July 9 of this year (*1).

The camera has been supervised by Leica Camera AG (Headquarters: Wetzlar, Germany). Equipped with a high-resolution triple camera system—50.3 MP standard, 50.3 MP ultra-wide, and 38.5 MP telephoto—it supports a wide range of shooting scenarios, from everyday snapshots to expansive landscapes and distant subjects.

AI-powered camera functions have also been further enhanced. The newly introduced Smart Fit Zoom allows users to simply tap a dedicated icon, after which AI automatically adjusts the zoom level according to the subject, enabling well-balanced compositions centered on the intended subject. In addition, the Privacy Safe feature (*2) automatically detects and masks (*3) text such as signs and billboards at the time of capture, helping protect privacy when sharing images on social media.

By combining ease of operation with natural, subject-optimized image results, the camera delivers a photography experience that embodies the concept: Simple, yet stunning.

The new Akarium feature uses a light positioned at the center of the rear camera ring to gently notify users of incoming calls, messages, and other alerts. The lighting incorporates eight colors inspired by hues found in nature. In addition, healing sounds recorded from nature, synchronized with lighting effects modeled after elements such as a campfire and a flowing stream, create a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for moments like before bedtime or during breaks (*2).

The display features a high-brightness Pro IGZO OLED with a peak brightness of 3,600 nits. With its Smart Outdoor View feature, which brightens low-tone areas according to ambient lighting conditions, dark areas of images are clearly visible even under strong sunlight or in dim outdoor environments.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, delivering high processing performance and smooth operation. In addition, a large-capacity 5,100 mAh battery and newly designed heat-dissipation components enable stable, long-duration enjoyment of activities such as video streaming and gaming.

Outstanding Features

1. AI-powered camera features, from automatic zoom adjustment to enhanced privacy protection
2. Equipped with Akarium, a feature that creates a comfortable atmosphere through light and sound
3. Enhanced peak brightness and automatic correction of low-tone areas ensure clear visibility and a comfortable viewing experience, even under strong sunlight or in dim outdoor conditions

*1 The release date may vary depending on the carrier.
*2 Prior setup is required.
*3 Detection results may vary depending on the subject and shooting conditions.

Outstanding Features

1. AI-powered camera features, from automatic zoom adjustment to enhanced privacy protection

The newly introduced Smart Fit Zoom allows users to simply tap a dedicated icon, enabling AI to automatically adjust the zoom level according to the subject and capture well-balanced compositions focused on the intended subject. In addition, the Privacy Safe feature automatically detects and masks text such as signs and billboards at the time of capture, helping protect privacy when sharing images on social media. Furthermore, when photographing a My Number Card for identity verification, fields such as gender and organ donor consent are also automatically masked.

In addition, when taking group photos, the camera can generate a single image in which everyone's eyes are naturally open by combining multiple shots. When capturing documents, it removes shadows and corrects perspective distortion, ensuring that text remains clear and easy to read.

2. Equipped with Akarium, a feature that creates a comfortable atmosphere through light and sound

The new Akarium feature uses a light positioned at the center of the rear camera ring to gently notify users of incoming calls, messages, and other alerts. The lighting incorporates eight colors inspired by hues found in nature. In addition, under the supervision of sound designer Shinya Kiyokawa, healing sounds recorded from nature are synchronized with lighting effects inspired by elements such as a campfire, a flowing stream, and sunlight filtering through trees, creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for moments like before bedtime or during breaks.

The device design was supervised by miyake design, founded by designer Kazushige Miyake. The camera ring retains its distinctive free-curve form—neither a perfect circle nor a square. Featuring glossy glass materials and a gently rounded form, the design fits comfortably in the hand while delivering a simple yet premium feel. The lineup includes three distinctive color options that highlight individual style.

3. Enhanced peak brightness and automatic correction of low-tone areas ensure clear visibility and a comfortable viewing experience, even under strong sunlight or in dim outdoor conditions

The approximately 6.5-inch Pro IGZO OLED display has been enhanced to achieve a peak brightness of 3,600 nits—1.2 times higher than the previous model (*4). With Smart Outdoor View, low-tone areas are automatically brightened according to ambient lighting conditions, suppressing black crush and ensuring that details remain clearly visible. In addition, the bezels surrounding the display have been reduced by approximately 21.7 %, achieving a large-screen experience while maintaining a comfortable, easy-to-hold form factor. On the audio side, Dolby Atmos®-compatible full-metal BOX speakers deliver immersive sound, from deep bass to clear high sound range.

The device is powered by the Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, achieving performance improvements over the previous model of approximately 13 % in CPU and approximately 40 % in GPU (*4). Combined with an enlarged vapor chamber heat dissipation system and the series' largest 5,100 mAh battery, the device maintains stable performance even during demanding gameplay, enabling comfortable use over extended periods.

*4 Compared with the 2025 model AQUOS R10.

Other Features

Equipped with the AI-powered Vocalist feature that eliminates noise in real time. By registering your voice in advance, the AI can identify and suppress voices other than your own as well as surrounding noise during calls, allowing only your voice to be transmitted to the other party. This enables clear and comfortable communication without concern for location, even in environments with loud background noise or announcements.

Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 is used on both the front and rear, delivering high durability with enhanced resistance to drops. In addition to a design compliant with MIL standards (*5), the device offers dust resistance and IP69-rated water resistance (*6), ensuring comfortable use across a wide range of scenarios, from everyday settings to outdoor environments.

A new Home Deco feature (*2) enables users to customize wallpapers and fonts to create a home screen tailored to their personal preferences. In addition, Lock Photo Shuffle uses AI to automatically select and display recommended photos from the device on the lock screen, allowing users to enjoy their memories each time they check their display.

As an optional accessory to further enhance the enjoyment of Akarium, Sharp has collaborated with the smartphone accessory brand temari (*7). The lineup includes three colors inspired by a campfire, a flowing stream, and sunlight filtering through trees. By placing this accessory over the rear camera ring, the light is diffused randomly, expanding the range of ambient lighting effects.

*5 Testing has been conducted in accordance with impact (drop) resistance standards based on the U.S. Department of Defense procurement criteria (MIL-STD-810G). The performance of this product has been verified under test conditions and does not guarantee the operation of all functions under all actual usage conditions. Furthermore, it does not guarantee that the device will remain free from damage or malfunction under all impact conditions.
*6 Testing has been conducted in accordance with 15 items of the U.S. Department of Defense procurement standard (MIL-STD-810H), including water resistance (immersion), water resistance (rain), vibration resistance, humidity resistance, high-temperature storage (fixed), high-temperature storage (cyclic), high-temperature operation (fixed), high-temperature operation (cyclic), low-temperature operation, low-temperature storage, temperature durability (thermal shock), low-pressure storage, low-pressure operation, icing (condensation), and icing (freezing).The performance of this product has been verified under test conditions and does not guarantee the operation of all functions under all actual usage conditions. Furthermore, it does not guarantee that the device will remain free from damage or malfunction under all impact conditions.
*7 Sales of the accessory will be handled by IRIS Co., Ltd. (Head office: Ota City, Gunma Prefecture; President: Kogoro Osumi). For details, please visit the company's website: https://iris-pro.com/all/aquos-r1xtemari/ (in Japanese).

*8 35 mm conversion.
*9 Actual usable battery capacity may vary.

• AQUOS, the AQUOS logo, and the AQUOS R logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation.
• Osaifu-Keitai is a registered trademark of NTT Docomo, Inc.
• Google, Android, and related logos and marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
• Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
• Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
• Other product names and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Information on this product is also available on the following website:
https://jp.sharp/k-tai/ (in Japanese)

About Sharp

For more than 110 years, Sharp Corporation has been developing pioneering, world‑first and industry-first products and technologies primarily in electronics. Based on its business creed "Sincerity and Creativity" the company has established its corporate slogan "In step with your future." and aims to create New Cultures through innovative products and services in every aspect of how people live and work.

For more information, please visit: https://global.sharp/ 

- Event Video to be Available on YouTube for a Limited Time from Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, July 12
- Report on the hugely successful public recording by popular voice actors Miina Tominaga, Tomokazu Seki, and Atsumi Tanezaki

TOKYO, June 17, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition center for Japanese anime operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Association of Japanese Animations, has welcomed many visitors from Japan and overseas as a facility that promotes the appeal of Japanese anime to the world under the motto, “Making ANIME more interesting, Bringing ANIME far into the future.”

On Monday, June 1, the official Anime Tokyo Station YouTube channel hosted the public recording event “Anime Tokyo Station Early Summer Festival.” A total of 52 visitors selected by lottery attended the event.

The event was held in two parts, with Miina Tominaga serving as the host. When guest Tomokazu Seki made an appearance after being introduced by Tominaga, the audience welcomed him with thunderous applause. Seki said in surprise, “Amazing! It feels like there are 1,000 people here.”

In the first part, the participants conversed while using “Anime TAIZEN,” a comprehensive database of Japanese anime at Anime Tokyo Station, to search for works in which Seki has appeared. When “PSYCHO-PASS” was brought up, Seki, who played the protagonist Shinya Kogami in the series, performed some of his lines on the spot. As he read out, “We have our own way of doing things” and “But the one who bears that responsibility is you, the Inspector,” a huge round of applause erupted from the audience. Tominaga commented about Seki, “I’ve always thought he has this ability to completely erase his own presence. Watching as a viewer, it’s almost as if the role takes over... and he appears in so many works. Even on stage, he seems to take the main role and maintain it until the very moment he’s left the stage.” Surprised but delighted, Seki responded, “It makes me incredibly happy to hear someone I respect so much, Miina, say that about me.” Tominaga replied with humor, “So that’s how I should respond when being complimented. I’m learning so much.” Seki playfully answered, “Come on, I mean it.” Their perfectly timed exchange drew laughter from the audience.

The two also discussed how, in recent years, they have appeared in more works that continue over many years, such as Seki’s role as Panda in “Jujutsu Kaisen.” Tominaga brought up the difficulty of working on a single series over a long period of time, noting that as voice actors grow and change, it can become difficult to maintain the same voice and energy in their performances. Seki agreed, saying, “Yes, that really is true.” He continued, “For my role as Sanemi Shinazugawa in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” there is a long gap between the first recording and the next time the character appears, so it’s difficult to keep that same feeling going until the next recording.” Tominaga nodded, saying, “I understand that as someone in the same profession. Sometimes it feels like I’m imitating my past self.” The two shared valuable stories spanning past and present, along with perfectly timed banter, creating a one-of-a-kind exchange that drew loud applause and laughter from the audience multiple times and generated excitement from start to finish.

Next, the conversation turned to what inspired Seki to pursue voice acting. When the answer board he had filled out in advance was revealed, it featured hand-drawn illustrations by Seki of “Devilman” and “Mazinger Z.” “You’re so good!” Tominaga exclaimed, impressed by the wonderful drawings. She then said, “I met Go Nagai at a fan meeting held at Anime Tokyo Station.” Seki replied, “When I was in fourth grade, I had the chance to visit Mr. Nagai’s home.” When he shared the surprising story that he had even had a sword fight with Nagai on the rooftop, the venue stirred with excitement. Seki also spoke about how he was a fan of the radio program “Animetopia” at the time. “When I called the radio station, they told me to come over, and I was able to meet Mayumi Tanaka and Saeko Shimazu. Fourth grade was a turning point for me,” he recalled, sharing another valuable story. “Adults back then were really open-hearted. Please come visit us too,” Seki said with a smile, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

The event then moved into “Quick Anime Quiz,” the final segment of the first part, in which quiz questions are instantly presented based on an anime title chosen on the spot. An audience member who was selected chose “PSYCHO-PASS” and took on the quiz, getting all answers correct. Tominaga and Seki exclaimed “Amazing!” in applause, and the participant received a commemorative gift from Anime Tokyo Station. Taking on the quiz, Seki chose “Getter Robo” as his anime title. Questions such as “What is the name of the genius scientist who created Getter Robo?” were presented, and Seki answered each one immediately, achieving a perfect score. “I’m glad I was able to answer correctly.” he said with a relieved expression.

The audience responded with loud applause and laughter over and over as the two shared rare stories and perfectly timed banter that only veteran voice actors behind some of Japan’s most beloved anime could offer. The venue was filled with excitement from start to finish.

For the dramatic reading in the second part, another guest, Atsumi Tanezaki, made an appearance. The three performers delivered a live performance of “Kiri no Nakade (In the Fog),” the fourth installment of the “Arashi No Yoru Ni (One Stormy Night)” dramatic reading series, which has become a familiar part of Anime Tokyo Station events. Tominaga explained that Tanezaki’s appearance came about after the two had appeared together on a program in the past, when Tominaga reached out to Tanezaki and Tanezaki watched a stream of the previous dramatic reading.

The three delivered a vivid live performance, bringing each scene to life. Seki in particular played all three wolf roles—Gabu, Barry, and Giro—by himself, making each character distinct. In addition to the live percussion, original background music, and sound effects used in previous performances, the fourth dramatic reading also featured a live flute performance for the first time, making the audience feel as though they had stepped into the world of the story. The entire audience gathered at the venue listened quietly to this rare dramatic reading, and after it ended, the stage was filled with applause that would not stop.

Following the dramatic reading, Yuichi Kimura, author of the “Arashi No Yoru Ni (One Stormy Night)” series, appeared. He shared his thoughts: “It was wonderful. There were so many characters, but the way you used different voices for each one was incredible. I felt that when voice actors perform the words I wrote, they come to life in such an amazing way.” Tanezaki, who played Mei the goat, received a warm comment from Kimura, who smiled and said, “You were adorable.” “I’m honored...” she replied, looking relieved.

Reflecting on the event, Seki commented, “I felt that Anime Tokyo Station is a truly wonderful place for learning about the history of anime and discovering its future. Seeing that wonderful events like this are being held here has made me feel a strong desire to become more actively involved.” Tanezaki also commented, “I was very nervous to perform a reading with such senior voice actors in front of the original author, but it was such a fun experience. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to appear in an event like this.”

Footage of this lively event will be made available on the official Anime Tokyo Station YouTube channel for a limited time of approximately one month, from Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, July 12.

Please take this opportunity to enjoy Anime Tokyo Station content, either at the facility or on YouTube.

Overview of the Anime Tokyo Station Early Summer Festival Video

Available on the Anime Tokyo Station official YouTube channel for a limited time only
Period: Saturday, June 13, 2026 to Sunday, July 12, 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw (In Japanese)

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as "Anime Tokyo")
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m. / Special exhibitions close: 6:30 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year's holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS：	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/(@animetokyostation) YouTube｜https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of "Anime Tokyo Station" (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp 

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260617.pdf 

News Highlights:

• Stable communications for robotic agricultural machinery supporting future farming operations were achieved within and between fields in mountainous areas by combining mobile and satellite communications.
• Continuous video transmission for remote operation and remote monitoring was achieved by compressing video according to available bandwidth while maintaining image quality in areas critical for vehicle operation.
• By leveraging the demonstrated technologies, the practicality of communications and video transmission for remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery will be enhanced, contributing to the future realization of fully autonomous operations. Efforts will also continue toward social implementation of data-driven agriculture both in Japan and internationally, with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture.

TOKYO, Japan, May 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Akira Shimada; hereinafter “NTT”), Kubota Corporation (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; President and Representative Director, CEO: Shingo Hanada; hereinafter “Kubota”), and NTT DOCOMO, INC. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshiaki Maeda; hereinafter “DOCOMO”), conducted a joint demonstration experiment (hereinafter, “the demonstration”) to stabilize communications and ensure continuous video transmission for the remote operation and remote monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery in mountainous areas. In the demonstration, optimal control was applied to video transmission required for robotic agricultural machinery operation by combining mobile and satellite communications, together with video control technology. As a result, visibility of transmitted video was maintained even under fluctuating communication conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of the technology as a communications infrastructure supporting remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery.

This technology is scheduled to be exhibited by NTT at Tsukuba Forum 2026*1, to be held from May 27-28, 2026.

Background

Achieving sustainable agriculture in the years ahead requires the promotion of automated farming operations to address labor shortages, as well as efficient farm management utilizing data. In Japan, the government is also advancing institutional development toward regulatory reform that would allow robotic agricultural machinery to operate on public roads under conditions ensuring safety through remote monitoring.

To date, NTT and Kubota have engaged in research, development, and service creation utilizing ICT to support innovation for agricultural producers, including visualization of farm management, improved operational efficiency and automation, and the realization of high-quality agriculture.*2

However, in hilly and mountainous regions, which account for approximately 40% of Japan's cultivated land area, fluctuations in mobile communication quality are likely to occur due to terrain and physical obstructions. As a result, delays and disconnections may occur in communications for robotic agricultural machinery operating within and between fields. Since unstable communications directly affect safety in the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery, stable transmission of required video and data remains a key challenge for practical implementation.

Details of the Initiative

In the demonstration, multipath control using multiple mobile and satellite communication links was applied according to communication conditions. This confirmed that stable communications could be maintained by supplementing mobile communication links with satellite communication links in areas such as mountainous farmland, where mobile network quality tends to deteriorate within and between fields.

In addition, video control technology was applied to automatically adjust video compression according to communication conditions while prioritizing image quality in critical areas, such as the travel path and crops visible in the video feed. This enabled both stable video transmission and sufficient visibility during remote operation and monitoring.

Figure 1. Future vision for communication and video control in the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery

Key Technologies

1) Technology combining mobile and satellite communication linksOptimal control combining mobile and satellite communication links was achieved through multi-link control technology based on the communication quality of each link. By enabling mobile and satellite communication links to complement each other, stable communications can be maintained even in mountainous areas.

2) Video control technology that compresses video while preserving quality in critical areasBased on predicted communication bandwidth, stable video transmission was achieved by maintaining video quality in critical areas, such as the travel path of robotic agricultural machinery, while compressing video data in non-critical areas.

Figure 2. Experimental configuration

Roles of Each Company

- NTT
Provision of the “Cradio,” a wireless quality prediction technology and the “Cooperative Infrastructure Platform,” a multi-link optimal control technology based on quality prediction, as well as implementation of the demonstration
- Kubota
Provision of robotic agricultural machinery and the demonstration field
- DOCOMO
Provision of video control technology that preserves image quality in critical areas while compressing data outside those areas in coordination with wireless quality prediction technology

Future Outlook

The technologies for communication stabilization and visibility enhancement demonstrated in this project will be leveraged to improve the practicality of communications and video transmission for the remote operation and monitoring of robotic agricultural machinery, contributing to the future realization of fully autonomous operations. Efforts will also continue toward the social implementation of data-driven agriculture both in Japan and internationally, with the aim of achieving sustainable agriculture.

In addition, NTT will continue promoting solutions to social challenges through the use of satellite technologies under the NTT C89*3 brand.

*1 Tsukuba Forum 2026
URL: https://www.rd.ntt/e/as/tforum/
*2 June 7, 2016
“Kubota, NTT and NTT Communications to Develop ICT Solutions for Agriculture and Water Infrastructure”
URL: https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2016/06/07/160607a.html
*3 NTT C89 is a trademark of NTT, Inc. The name is an abbreviation of NTT CONSTELLATION 89 PROJECT and represents initiatives aimed at expanding space-related businesses and contributing to the development of the overall space industry through the provision of solutions to social challenges. URL: https://group.ntt/en/aerospace/

About NTT

NTT is a leading global technology innovator, providing a broad range of services to both consumers and businesses. As a mobile operator and provider of infrastructure, networks, and services, NTT is dedicated to promoting a sustainable future through cutting-edge innovations. Our portfolio includes business consulting, AI-powered solutions, application services, global networks, cybersecurity, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. Generating over $90 billion in revenue and employing 340,000 professionals, we allocate 30% of our annual profits to fundamental research and development. With operations spanning more than 70 countries and regions, our clients include over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, alongside thousands of enterprises, government organizations, and millions of consumers.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 93 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.

Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/