Month: 2025 年 4 月

Toyota City, Japan, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ENEOS Corporation, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Subaru Corporation, DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation are pleased to announce they will provide passenger vehicles that use a fuel mixture containing synthetic fuel during the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan event period(1) for transporting guests and related parties within the venue.With support(2) from the Green Innovation Fund of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), ENEOS will provide synthetic fuel produced at a demonstration plant(3) completed in September 2024 within its Central Technical Research Laboratory. This fuel will be supplied to vehicles for transporting guests provided by Toyota and Mazda, as well as vehicles for transporting related parties provided by Suzuki, Subaru, and Daihatsu. The synthetic fuel to be used has been confirmed in advance by Suzuki, Subaru, Daihatsu, Toyota, and Mazda to be able to operate similarly to gasoline.Synthetic fuels are clean energy sources made from hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and CO2 that can reduce CO2 emissions throughout their product lifecycle. As liquid fuels, they can utilize existing infrastructure and therefore contribute to reducing internal combustion engine CO2 emissions.By operating the vehicles for transporting guests and related parties at the Expo, ENEOS, Suzuki, Subaru, Daihatsu, Toyota, and Mazda will promote the idea that engine-equipped vehicles running on synthetic fuel are a key mobility option on the path toward carbon neutrality. In addition, it will contribute to achieving the Expo's sustainability mission as laid out in the EXPO 2025 Green Vision(4).(1) April 13 to October 13, 2025(2) The development of the production process for synthetic fuels using CO2 was selected by NEDO as their "Green Innovation Fund Project / Development of technology for producing fuel using CO2, etc."(3) ENEOS release published on September 30, 2024Completion of Japan's First Synthetic Fuels Demonstration Plant with Ability to Handle the Entire Production Process from Raw Materials(4) Sustainability initiatives at EXPO 2025: www.expo2025.or.jp/en/overview/sustainability/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Toyota City, Japan, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has announced that orders are being accepted from today for its evolved GR Yaris at Toyota vehicle dealers across Japan, with sales to commence on May 6. Also announced today was the GR Yaris factory-installed option Aero Performance Package scheduled for launch this autumn or later, the elements of which were first unveiled as part of a concept vehicle at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 and which incorporates insights gained from motorsports.The evolved GR Yaris is being introduced in Japan. Acceptance of orders started on April 11. Sales are to start on May 6.Insights gained from competing in motorsports events such as the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship were incorporated into the development process, resulting in improvements that contribute to enhanced driving performance.The Aero Performance Package, a new factory-installed option that features performance aerodynamic parts that were developed together with professional drivers through an uncompromising approach to achieving targeted performance by addressing every single issue encountered during racing and circuit evaluations, has been announced and is scheduled for launch in autumn 2025 or later.As a symbol of TGR car-making, the GR Yaris was born through making ever-better motorsports-bred cars. TGR has continued to compete in various motorsports, such as the FIA World Rally Championship, the Super Taikyu Series, and the Japanese Rally Championship, using the GR Yaris since the model's launch in September 2020. That is because problems that occur in the extreme environments of rallies and other races provide opportunities to evolve the GR Yaris into an ever-better car. Under the slogan of "Thanks for breaking it" directed at the drivers who pushed the vehicle to its limits, TGR honed the GR Yaris through constant enhancements, thoroughly pursuing the cause of problems by analyzing driving data, reviewing steering feel, and examining what kind of scratches and foreign matter were on broken parts.TGR's journey of making ever-better motorsports-bred cars is without end. It intends to continuously evolve the GR Yaris by incorporating input from various drivers garnered through continued racing.For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/42579162.html. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

KAWASAKI, Japan, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced the joint development of a training platform for the company's store employees with Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd.. The platform launched in some directly managed stores in Japan on March 25, 2025, and is provided as part of a next-generation store system being developed by Seven-Eleven Japan to accelerate digitalization across stores.Built using Fujitsu's Digital Touchpoint, an offering that provides optimal channels and experiences tailored to customers' digital literacy, the platform provides a comprehensive learning environment to understand and execute convenience store operations, enables real-time tracking of acquired skills, accelerates employee readiness, improves retention rates, and reduces the training burden on franchise owners and store managers. The solution is expected to reach over 400,000 employees across Seven-Eleven Japan's approximately 22,000 stores.Seven-Eleven Japan is transforming its employee training approach in recognition of recent challenges in the retail industry, including the declining birthrate, aging population, and shrinking workforce, as well an increasing need for training tailored for foreign workers. With this Background in mind, Seven-Eleven Japan has been promoting the digitalization of store employee education, such as the distribution of videos to stores and the use of electronic manuals. In order to accelerate this trend, the headquarters will strengthen its support.Overview of the developed platformThe platform empowers store employees to monitor their real-time progress in mastering operational skills via mobile devices and tablets that will be set up in-store. Tailored courses enable employees to learn about store operations at their own pace. Simultaneously, owners and store managers gain real-time visibility into employee learning and skill development, fostering smoother communication and more targeted coaching. The intuitive interface allows for easy access to crucial information, including manuals, enabling efficient customer service.*Fujitsu will continue to contribute to the efficiency and quality of employee training across all Seven-Eleven Japan stores through the provision of this platform. In the future, under Fujitsu Uvance, the platform will evolve further into a store operation and talent development support solution utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as AI and data analysis. This will promote communication within stores and between multiple stores operated by the same owner, maximize customer satisfaction, and contribute to increased store sales and profitability.Fujitsu’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.Fujitsu’s purpose — “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” — is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce its participation in a Series D round of funding, involving a third-party allotment of shares underwritten by 12 companies, conducted by DennoKotsu Inc. As a result of this acquisition, DennoKotsu, which promotes the digital transformation of taxi dispatch operations, will become an equity-method affiliate of MC.In cooperation with local governments and transportation companies, MC has been working to address regional transportation challenges in Japan through AI-equipped on-demand bus and autonomous driving projects. MC previously made investments in DennoKotsu in 2020 and 2023, which have helped promote the digital transformation of its taxi dispatch business and call center services. By leveraging DennoKotsu's achievements, expertise, and practical knowledge in the taxi industry, along with MC's extensive business network, cooperation with other MC-affiliated companies has already begun. DennoKotsu's dispatch system is currently in use in 47 prefectures across Japan, supporting approximately 600 companies and 21,000 vehicles.MC believes that automating transportation is a key solution to Japan’s growing driver shortage. In anticipation of autonomous vehicles becoming more prevalent, DennoKotsu is expected to expand its operations beyond the taxi sector to the broader transportation field. This expectation led to MC’s additional funding for DennoKotsu. With this investment, MC aims to further strengthen its collaboration with DennoKotsu and accelerate cooperation with on-demand bus services and autonomous driving projects. Through this, the company will provide comprehensive solutions tailored to the needs of each region, advancing transportation problem-solving and the creation of new businesses.Inquiry Recipient:Mitsubishi CorporationTelephone:+81-3-3210-2171 Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Apr 9, 2025 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SinoMab BioScience Limited (Stock Code: 3681.HK, “SinoMab” or the “Company”), is pleased to announce our breakthrough topline results from the completed Phase 1b clinical study evaluating SM17, a novel investigational therapy targeting the IL-25 (IL-17E) receptor pathway in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD). SM17 uniquely binds to the co-receptor for IL-25, a key alarmin, and blocks downstream signaling – disrupting the inflammatory cascade driven by IL-25 engagement.SM17 Competitive Advantages:- First AD biologic with dual efficacy --- first and the only AD biologic that could reach both NRS-41 and EASI-752 responder rate over 60%3 simultaneously at end of treatment (EOT), comparing to marketed product.- Faster and deeper itch relief than anti-IL-4/13 agents4--- onset of anti-pruritus effect as early as Week 2 (SM17) vs Week 4~6 (other agents), over 90% of patients achieved NRS-4 (SM17) vs 30~40% of patients (other agents) at EOT.- Safer than JAK inhibitors5 --- No serious adverse events (SAEs) nor drug related Grade 3 or above adverse events (AEs) reported， minimum risk of serious infections or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).1 NRS-4: a peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP-NRS) weekly mean score with a ≥4-point reduction from baseline2 EASI-75: ≥75% reduction from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score3 SM17 ph1b NRS-4 responder rate:91.7%, EASI-75 responder rate 75.0%4 Dupixent@ Prescribing information, SOLO-1 & SOLO-2 studies5 RINVOQ@ Prescribing information, Measure Up 1 & Measure Up 2 studiesThis Phase1b study, which evaluated two doses level of SM17 (200mg and 600mg, respectively), met its primary endpoints manifested as the safety profiles in patients with moderate-to-severe AD by demonstrating that SM17 was well-tolerated with no serious adverse event (SAE) or treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) with grade 3 or above. In terms of efficacy, this study met all the secondary endpoints assessing pruritus, skin healing and AD patients’ quality of life by demonstrating remarkable differences between SM17 treatment groups and placebo group.This study was a 16-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to assess the tolerability, safety and efficacy of SM17 monotherapy in 32 adults with moderate-to-severe AD, most of whom were previously inadequate responder to topical corticosteroids (TCS). Patients with a history of biologic (Dupilumab) or systemic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor medication (Upadacitinib) were also enrolled in the study.At week 12, 75.0% of patients（9 /12） in the higher dose group achieved ≥75% reduction from baseline in EASI-75, vs. 0.0% of patients in the placebo group, with difference of responder rate as 75.0%（95% CI：32.00~91.11）. In the lower dose group, 50.0% of patients (6/12) achieved EASI-75, a 50.0% difference vs. placebo (95%CI：9.27~74.62).In the higher dose group, 41.7% of patients (5/12) achieved a validated Investigator's Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD™) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) with a ≥2-point reduction from baseline (vIGA-AD 0/1) at week 12, representing a 41.7% difference vs. placebo (95%CI: 2.28~68.05). In the lower dose group, 25.0% of patients (3/12) achieved this endpoint, a 25.0% difference vs. placebo (95%CI: -11.22~53.23).It is particularly noteworthy that 91.7% of patients (11/12) in the higher dose group achieved a peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP-NRS) weekly mean score with a ≥4-point reduction from baseline (NRS-4) at week 12, vs. 0.0% of patients in the placebo group. Even in the lower dose group, 66.7% of patients (8/12) achieved this endpoint, remarkably different to that of the placebo group.With regard to the onset of action, SM17 showed obvious anti-pruritus effect as early as week 2 after the initial dose, in either the higher or the lower dose group. The altitude of improvement in pruritus for SM17 treatment groups increased alongside with dosing and reached a mean level of 68% and 57% reduction from baseline in PP-NRS score at week 12, for higher and lower dose groups, respectively, vs. 18% for placebo group. Improvement in pruritus was also maintained for both SM17 treatment groups until week 16, which was 6 weeks away from last dosing (week 10). Improvement in skin healing showed similar trends, with a mean level of 73% and 57% reduction from baseline in EASI score at week 12 for the 2 treatment groups，vs. a mean level of 42% reduction from baseline in placebo group.In addition, this Phase 1b study also met the endpoint of EASI 50 and EASI 90 at week 12, as well as superior improvement comparing to placebo in other skin healing measures as SCORAD and AD body surface area (BSA), or patients’ life quality questionnaire - Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).Major efficacy endpoints results were summarized in the table below.EndpointsSM17 Higher dose (N=12)SM17 Lower dose (N=12)Placebo (N=12)EASI 50(%)Week1283.366.725.0Week1691.758.325.0EASI 75 (%)Week1275.0500.0Week1641.741.70.0EASI 90 (%)Week1241.716.70.0Week1641.741.70.0IGA 0/1 (%)Week1241.725.00.0Week1633.341.70.0NRS-4 (%)Week1291.766.70.0Week1675.058.325.0Safety findings were generally consistent with the safety profile of SM17 previously observed in US Phase 1 and China Phase 1a bridging study. The most frequent TEAEs (≥10%) in SM17 groups were nasopharyngitis and urinary tract infection，with the overall incidence rate difference between the treatment group and the placebo group being less than 5%.Dr. Shui On LEUNG, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SinoMab, said, "SM17 has the potential to become a first- and best-in-class therapy for atopic dermatitis (AD), a market where a single transformative therapy can achieve multibillion-dollar (US) annual revenue. Pruritus is the primary concern for most of the patients with moderate-to-severe AD，and scratching behavior triggered by itch is likely the key driving factor in recurrent chronic inflammatory cycle in AD. With a favorable safety profile and skin clearance comparable to the most effective existing therapies, SM17 also delivers exceptional efficacy in itch relief – the most critical unmet need for patients. By addressing these key gaps in current treatment options, SM17 is positioned to redefine the standard of care for this debilitating condition. We are accelerating our clinical programs and actively pursuing partnerships to maximize its global impact. Next, we anticipate initiating Phase 2 trials in adults with moderate-to-severe AD. Notably, preclinical studies have shown promising results for SM17 in treating other Type 2 allergic diseases such as asthma, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These findings suggest that SM17 could become a versatile therapeutic for a range of Th2-driven diseases, extending its potential beyond AD as a first- and best-in-class option."About Atopic Dermatitis MarketAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis involving genetic predisposition, skin barrier dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, and environmental factors. The immunological characteristics of AD are dominated by the Th2 axis, involving mediators such as TSLP, IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, IL-33, IL-31, OX40, and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. AD typically begins in infancy, with about 50% of patients developing symptoms before the age of one. The disease follows a chronic and relapsing course.Epidemiological studies indicate that there are at least 230 million AD patients worldwide, with China having a substantial patient population exceeding 70 million, of which moderate-to-severe cases account for approximately 28%. In comparison, the U.S. has an estimated 16.5 million adult AD patients, with moderate-to-severe cases making up around 40%.According to Precedence Research, the global AD drug market was value at 13.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach 13.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach 31.44 billion by 2034. Current treatment options vary in efficacy and include topical medications (e.g., corticosteroids [TCS], calcineurin inhibitors [TCI]), oral antihistamines, and biologics, each with its own advantages and limitations.While conventional therapies like TCS, TCI, and oral antihistamines remain standard treatments, biologics such as dupilumab have significantly improved patients' quality of life. However, limitations such as slow onset, insufficient itch relief, and long-term safety concerns leave many patients' needs unmet. Another drug, the JAK inhibitor upadacitinib, faces safety-related challenges. In 2024, dupilumab's global sales surpassed $14 billion, highlighting the immense potential of the AD market and driving pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development of differentiated therapies. Currently, competition in the AD field is primarily focused on target innovation: Among the top 10 AD clinical targets in China and globally, seven overlap, with IL-4Rα and JAK1 being the top two. In terms of clinical phases, only 14% of China's AD trials are in Phase 3 or later, compared to 23% globally (excluding Phase 2/3 trials), indicating that China's strategy remains largely fast-follow. Moreover, China's target landscape is more concentrated, with the top three targets (IL-4Rα, JAK1, and PDE4) accounting for 46% of clinical trials, whereas global AD clinical targets are more evenly distributed.About SM17SM17 is a novel, First-in-Class (FIC), humanized, IgG4-κ monoclonal antibody, which is a global first in-class monoclonal antibody drug targeting IL-25 receptor with the potential for treating AD, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other immunological disorders. SM17 could suppress Type 2 helper T (Th2) immune responses by binding to IL-25 receptor (also known as IL-17RB) on Type 2 Innate Lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and Th2 cells, to block a cascade of responses induced by IL-25 and suppress the release of the downstream Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-9 and IL-13. IL-25 is a critical cytokine classified as ‘‘alarmin’’, which has shown to be implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory skin diseases, especially in AD. Current approved therapies for AD, including biologics, can significantly improve eczema area and severity index (EASI) and patient’s quality of life, but they either are slow in response, especially in anti-pruritic effect, or have safety concerns. With the novel mechanism of action, SM17 hopefully will become a new and probably better treatment option for AD, which is fast in anti-pruritic response, effective in skin healing and safe, addressing the unmet medical needs not covered by current treatment modalities.About Differences in Targeting the Receptor (IL-25R) vs the Ligand (IL-25)Using AD as a model, stimulated skin will continuously release IL-25, and neutralizing IL-25 with antibodies does not instantly impart relief. SM17 uniquely blocks one of the IL-25 receptor subunits (IL-17RB) in a non-competitive manner. We have in-house data supporting that SM17 can block receptor signal transduction without affecting IL-25 engagement with the receptor, so SM17 can provide fast anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory effects arising from IL-25/IL-25 receptor interactions.Additionally, the number of receptors on cell surface is limited, and if sufficient antibodies against the receptor are added and all receptors blocked, therapeutic response will persist regardless of the amount of IL-25 released. This is the case for SM17, which blocks the limited number of receptors on cell surface. Once fully occupied, it stops the signaling regardless of IL-25 levels. This allows a fast, long-lasting inhibition and avoids high-dose requirements.Contrarily, antibodies targeting IL-25 must neutralize the ligand directly, while AD skin continuously releases IL-25 such that anti-IL-25 therapies require high doses to “mop-up” all newly released IL-25. This delays itch and inflammation relief.About SinoMab BioScience LimitedSinoMab BioScience Limited is dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of immunological diseases. SinoMab is headquartered in Hong Kong with its R&D base in Hong Kong and production base in mainland China. The Company's flagship product Suciraslimab (SM03) is a potential global first-in-class mAb against CD22 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other immunological diseases. SM03 (Suciraslimab) has completed the Phase 3 clinical trial for RA in China and is pending NMPA’s marketing approval for RA in China. In addition, the Company possesses other potential first-in-class drug candidates, some of which are already in clinical stage, with their indications covering rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), atopic dermatitis (AD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), asthma, and other diseases with major unmet clinical needs.Media enquiriesStrategic Financial Relations LimitedVeron Ng Tel: +852 2864 4831Phoenix Fung Tel: +852 2114 4939Shannon Lei Tel: +852 2114 2881Will Cheng Tel: +852 2864 4894Email: sprg_sinomab@sprg.com.hk Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Apr 10, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has delivered a new advanced-function container terminal gate, a facility that serves as a nodal point for various types of cargo transport by sea and land, to Dream Island Container Terminal Co., Ltd. The new container terminal gate, Mitsubishi Logisnext's first system incorporating advanced functionality installed at the Port of Osaka's Yumeshima Container Terminal (DICT), was selected for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "2024 Osaka Port Yumeshima Container Terminal CT Gate Advanced Project," and began operation in February 2025, along with the existing gate facilities that had undergone system upgrades.The gate system uses a 5G handheld terminals that can be operated in conjunction with computers in the administrative office to confirm the information on the containers arriving and leaving the terminal, and the trailers to transport them, instead of the conventional method of paper documents and visual inspection of the physical containers. Specifically, the system greatly reduces workloads and shortens working time with automatic inputting of image data using handheld terminals, and an AI (artificial intelligence) identification system using two overhead cameras installed at the gate. In addition, for the operation of the system, client-specific applications that previously needed to be installed on a computer have been adapted for browsers, enhancing operability and compatibility, and allowing for greater flexibility when modifying applications or updating the system in the future. Further, the vehicle information obtained through this system is linked to the new CONPAS port information system,* and will contribute to alleviating traffic congestion around the adjacent Expo2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan venue.Mitsubishi Logisnext has a high market share in the field of port logistics in Japan, and will leverage the technological capabilities it has cultivated over many years to enhance the functionality of terminal operation systems to proactively promote the realization of AI terminals that support humans, and provide optimal solutions.*CONPAS (Container Fast Pass) is a new port information system developed by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) with the aim of improving the efficiency and productivity of container transportation by eliminating congestion at container terminal gates, and shortening the time spent at the terminal by container truck trailers.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan's only global payment brand, is excited to announce that JCB Cards are now available as a payment method for the App Store and Apple Services in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Customers can now use their JCB Cards to pay for purchases on the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV app, iTunes, iCloud storage and more. This expansion reflects JCB’s commitment to providing exceptional service and seamless payment solutions to its growing base of Cardmembers across Asia.As digital transactions continue to surge, JCB is dedicated to enhancing convenience and accessibility for its customers. By integrating JCB as an Apple Account payment method, JCB ensures that its Cardmembers can enjoy a smooth, secure, and efficient transaction experience with their Apple devices. This move reinforces JCB’s focus on enhancing the customer experience, allowing users to access their favorite content and services with ease.Yoshiki Kaneko, President & CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd., said, "We are thrilled to offer a seamless and secure payment experience for our customers in countries and territories across Asia who purchase Apple Services, as well as apps and games from the App Store. This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the payment experience for our Cardmembers.”JCB remains committed to continuously improving its Cardmembers’ payment experience through innovations that emphasize customer service, ease of use, and security. As digital payments evolve, JCB will continue to lead the way in providing advanced solutions that cater to the needs of its customers.About JCBJCB 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 53 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 164 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 TakedaCorporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Kawasaki and Tokyo, Apr 11, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and AI solutions provider Headwaters Co., Ltd. today announced the successful completion of field trials utilizing a generative AI solution to improve the efficiency of handover report creation for Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) cabin crew. The field trials, conducted from January 27 to March 26, 2025, demonstrated that significant time savings.JAL cabin crew members currently spend considerable time creating detailed handover reports, which play an important role in information transfer between cabin crews and ground staff. To address this challenge, Fujitsu and Headwaters used Microsoft's Phi-4 – a small language model (SLM) optimized for offline environments – as an alternative to a large language model (LLM) requiring cloud connectivity. This allowed for the creation of a chat-based system on tablet devices, enabling efficient report generation during and after flights. The trials demonstrated that the solution can assist in the creation of high-quality reports and achieve a significant reduction in the time spent on report generation.Through this solution, Fujitsu and Headwaters seek to improve the efficiency of JAL’s cabin crew and contribute to further service improvements for passengers.The roles and responsibilities in the trials were as follows:Fujitsu:- Applied its Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service to fine-tune Microsoft Phi-4 using JAL's past report data and specialize it for cabin crew tasks.Headwaters:- Used Phi-4 to develop a business-specific generative AI application using quantization technology, enabling smooth report creation on tablet devices in offline environments. Headwaters’ AI consultants assisted with workflow analysis for AI implementation, implementation and evaluation of the trials, and agile development progress management. In addition, AI engineers built a fine-tuning environment for Fujitsu Kozuchi, and provided technical support for optimization tailored to the customer's usage environment.Shinichi Miyata, Head of Cross-Industry Solutions Business Unit, Global Solutions Business Group, Fujitsu Limited, comments:"We are pleased to announce this example of generative AI utilization in Japan Airlines’ cabin operations. This joint proof-of-concept contributes to the advancement of generative AI in offline environments and has the potential to transform operations across various industries and roles where network access is limited. The success of this meaningful collaboration is a result of the exceptional proposal capabilities of Headwaters combined with Fujitsu’s technological expertise. Moving forward, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership to support our customers’ business expansion and address societal challenges."Yosuke Shinoda, CEO, Headwaters Co., Ltd., comments:"We are honored to have been part of this initiative to demonstrate the efficiency of using generative AI for cabin crew reporting alongside Fujitsu and Japan Airlines (JAL). This technology was able to reduce the time necessary to prepare and correct handover reports, which shows great promise for its continued application. We would like to express our gratitude to Microsoft Japan for its outstanding technical capabilities and support. We look forward to continuing to work with Fujitsu to support JAL in the practical application of generative AI."Keisuke Suzuki, Executive Officer, Head of Digital Technology Division, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. comments:"We are delighted to have conducted this proof-of-concept for a generative AI solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of cabin crew operations through our collaboration with Fujitsu and Headwaters. By leveraging generative AI, we aim to streamline the handover report creation process and reduce the burden on our cabin crew, allowing them to provide more personalized and attentive service to each customer. We look forward to further improving customer service through this initiative."Tadashi Okazaki, Corporate Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, Cloud & AI Solutions Business Division, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. comments:"We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase this example of SLM utilization on board aircraft (offline), using Fujitsu Kozuchi for Japan Airlines. This project represents an innovative initiative within Microsoft Japan. It is a testament to the high technical capabilities and strong partnership between Fujitsu and Headwaters. We believe this will contribute to the further development of Japan Airlines’ AI initiatives and enhance flight safety and Japanese hospitality."Future PlansFujitsu and Headwaters will continue testing towards production deployment for JAL, aiming for integration into JAL's generative AI platform. In addition, Fujitsu plans to incorporate SLMs tailored to specific types of work in Fujitsu Kozuchi.The companies will continue supporting JAL's operational transformation through AI, contributing to problem-solving, improved customer service, and addressing industry challenges.*This press release was originally issued in Japanese on March 27, 2025About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About Headwaters Co., Ltd.Headwaters specializes in AI, IoT, and DX, offering end-to-end solutions from proposal to implementation. We provide innovative and growth-oriented strategies to various industries, and are enhancing our capabilities in generative AI and other state-of-the-art technologies by strengthening relationships with Microsoft and other industry leaders.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesHeadwaters Co., Ltd.Public and Investor Relations OfficeE-mail: info@ml.headwaters.co.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.