JCN Newswire

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Triumphs at Asia Cross Country Rally 2025 with Chayapon Yotha’s Overall Victory and Team Award

18 8 月, 2025

TOKYO, August 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from the company, has won first place in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2025, held in Thailand from August 8 to 16. The team competed with the Triton1 pickup truck (T1 specification, or modified cross-country vehicle), covering a total distance of 2,316.32 kilometers (km), including 1,002.95 km of Special Stages (SS)2.Team Mitsubishi RalliartIn the overall standings, Chayapon Yotha secured first place with a total time of 16 hours, 15 minutes and 12 seconds; Katsuhiko Taguchi finished in fifth place; and Kazuto Koide placed 22nd overall. The team also earned the Team Award – given to teams with three or more finishers based on the combined time of their top two vehicles – for the second time, and the first in two years.This year’s AXCR kicked off with a ceremonial start at Walking Street, a well-known tourist spot in Pattaya, Thailand. The rally officially began the following day with Leg 1, traveling roughly 360 km northeast from Pattaya to Prachin Buri in eastern Thailand. This leg featured the rally’s longest SS, spanning 199.13 km.Leg 2 took competitors about 500 km north from Prachin Buri to Khao Yai. The SS included a mix of rocky terrain and high-speed sections through plantations, highlighting the diverse landscapes AXCR is known for. Leg 3 remained in the Khao Yai area, where the already demanding course was made even tougher by afternoon squalls that turned the roads muddy, causing many vehicles to struggle.Legs 4 and 6, originally planned to run within 50 km of the Cambodian border, were canceled due to safety concerns. Leg 5 proceeded as scheduled, returning to Prachin Buri for an SS near the city. Although the route followed the same path as SS1, the course had deteriorated significantly due to deep ruts left by vehicles in Leg 1 and fallen trees caused by continuous rain. Even top teams were caught in the mud, making it one of the most grueling days of the rally.In Leg 7, the rally returned to Pattaya, retracing parts of the SS1 and SS5 routes. This stage featured narrow paths through plantations, pothole-ridden roads, and river crossings. The final day, Leg 8, concluded at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya.Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Driver HighlightsChayapon Yotha, the team’s ace driver, started in 12th position but quickly climbed the ranks with strong times in Leg 1, ending the first day in second place. Thanks to precise navigation by co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong and consistent driving that pushed for speed while minimizing mechanical strain, he took the overall lead in Leg 3. Despite getting stuck in deep mud during Leg 5, he maintained an aggressive pace and recorded the second fastest SS time in Leg 7. He held onto the lead and won the rally by a narrow margin of seven minutes, claiming his second overall AXCR victory – his first in three years.Katsuhiko Taguchi began in a strong fifth position and remained among the frontrunners in the early stages. However, in Leg 3, rough terrain damaged the front suspension and dropped him to 10th overall. In Leg 5, where many vehicles struggled with deep mud, he overtook 18 competitors and posted the fastest SS time, recovering to sixth overall. Despite damage to the under guard and rear suspension on the demanding Leg 7 course, his determined driving earned him a fifth place overall – the highest among Japanese pairs – concluding his third AXCR challenge.Kazuto Koide, competing in his second year as a corporate driver, faced early setbacks. On the first day, poor visibility from dust led to a collision with a suddenly stopped vehicle, resulting in a day retirement, and in Leg 5, he experienced rear brake failure. Despite these issues, he supported teammates dealing with mechanical troubles in Legs 3 and 8, fulfilling his role as a support vehicle. He improved on last year’s result, finishing 22nd overall.Comments from Team Mitsubishi RalliartHiroshi Masuoka, Team Director“Winning was our top priority this year, and I am thrilled we achieved it while showcasing the strength and audacity of Mitsubishi Motors-ness. Securing the team award is a testament to the collective effort and determination of everyone at Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. By refining the Triton’s core strengths – its stability on high-speed stages and agility on winding roads – we gained a competitive edge over rivals with larger-displacement engines. Looking ahead to next year, we will continue to enhance the vehicle to further boost our competitiveness.”Chayapon Yotha, Driver of Car #112“I am truly happy to have claimed overall victory once again, thanks to the entire team playing their part perfectly and delivering a flawless vehicle. This year’s rally was extremely demanding, with rocky sections, mud, and slippery terrain. Yet, the Triton’s durability and exceptional handling allowed me to stay in control through high-speed corners and technical muddy stretches, delivering top-tier performance. I will be back next year to defend the championship.”Katsuhiko Taguchi, Driver of Car #105“Although I finished fifth again this year, I can clearly see how much our crew has improved. We consistently posted competitive times against larger-displacement vehicles across all stages, even recording the fastest SS time in Leg 5. The Triton continues to evolve year after year, and its suspension and handling capabilities were crucial in tackling rough terrain and contributing to Chayapon’s victory. After the rally, we identified areas where we can gain more time, so with thorough testing to build on our strengths, I am confident we can achieve even better results next year.”Kazuto Koide, Driver of Car #118“Although the rally was mentally demanding, especially with a day retirement, it was an invaluable experience. The Triton I drove was equipped with an automatic transmission using standard production components, yet it proved remarkably resilient even under the harsh conditions of AXCR. The handling and maneuverability I experienced will provide valuable feedback for future vehicle development, and I look forward to applying these insights to the next generation of Mitsubishi models.”AXCR 2025 Auto Category – Overall Standings1.Chayapon Yotha (Mitsubishi Triton)16 h 15 m 12 s2.Mana Pornsiricherd (Toyota Hilux Revo)16 h 23 m 03 s3.Bailey Cole (Ford Raptor)17 h 08 m 29 s4.Ditsapong Maneein (Isuzu D-Max)17 h 09 m 32 s5.Katsuhiko Taguchi (Mitsubishi Triton)17 h 37 m 56 s6.Natthaphon Angritthanon (Toyota Hilux Revo)17 h 46 m 52 s…22.Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Triton)29 h 34 m 31 sRally reports are available on Ralliart’s official Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/ralliart.official/AXCR Special Website:https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/brand/ralliart/axcr/axcr2025/1.Sold as L200 in some markets2.The actual distance was shortened due to course changes.About Mitsubishi MotorsMitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) — a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan — is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first veh icle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification — launched the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company's website at https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/ Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

JCN Newswire

UNFPA and NEC Collaborate to Build Beneficiary Information Management and e-Voucher System

18 8 月, 2025

Tokyo, Japan, August 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) — NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) (*1), which promotes activities to protect the health and rights of women and girls, to collaborate on the development of a beneficiary information management system.Both parties will promote digitization in the management of beneficiary information supported by the UNFPA and implement privacy-conscious operations, thereby contributing to the provision of rapid, safe, and secure support. This system will be implemented in Nigeria and Madagascar by the end of 2025, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan and aiming to build on this partnership in other parts of the world.NEC Chief of Staff for the CDO and Head of the Marketing & Alliance Promotion Department, Mayuko Tatewaki (left), UNFPA Director, Division for External Relations, Ian McFarlane (center left), UNFPA Director, Information Technology Solution Office, Soren Thomassen (center right), and UNFPA Chief, Representation office in Tokyo, Japan, Eiko Narita (right)The UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. The UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The agency began operating in 1969 and currently works with partners in more than 150 countries to provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.In recent years, an increase in international conflicts, and natural disasters caused climate change have led to ongoing social and economic unrest around the world. Amidst this situation, it is imperative to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including addressing gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls.To address these challenges more rapidly and safely, the UNFPA and NEC will establish a beneficiary information management system based on an e-Voucher system, which is NEC's solution for the registration and management of beneficiary information, that digitizes and centrally manages information such as names, addresses, and details of the support provided for beneficiaries, which was previously managed on paper. This will enable the UNFPA to accurately identify the needs of beneficiaries, such as the kinds of support required for each region, and to develop support plans accordingly, thereby achieving swift and effective support delivery.Additionally, to appropriately handle beneficiary information containing sensitive content, the system will be designed to ensure the privacy of beneficiaries, and the UNFPA will receive NEC training on data literacy, ensuring safe and secure operations that prioritize privacy protection.Moreover, NEC will participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) (*2) at Pacifico Yokohama in Yokohama, Japan, from August 20 (Wed.) to 22 (Fri.), 2025. At this event, NEC will introduce its initiatives at the TICAD Business Expo and Conference exhibition hall (*3) and at the UNFPA-planned event stage (*4)."This is a great partnership opportunity that leverages resources from both public and private sectors for a greater impact on the ground, especially for women and girls to enjoy their ‘rights and choices’."Ian McFarlane, Director, Division for External Relations, UNFPA"We are pleased to contribute to the UNFPA's acceleration of its activities around the world by leveraging NEC's digital technology. We are confident that this collaboration will bring about digital transformation in the fields of humanitarian aid and global health."Mayuko Tatewaki, Chief of Staff for the CDO and Head of the Marketing & Alliance Promotion Department, NEC(*1)United Nations Population Fund https://www.unfpa.org/(*2)The 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/ticad/ticad9/index.html(*3)NEC to participate in "TICAD Business Expo and Conference" and thematic events for TICAD 9https://www.nec.com/en/press/202508/global_20250805_03.html(*4)Investing in Peace: Digital Transformation (DX) in Health for Adolescent Youth and Women https://tokyo.unfpa.org/ja/event/ticad9_thematic (scroll down the link for English)About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

JCN Newswire

Anime Tokyo Station Surpasses 200,000 Visitors

18 8 月, 2025

TOKYO, Aug 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 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.” The facility has welcomed numerous visitors from Japan and overseas, and on August 3, 2025, the number of visitors surpassed 200,000.The 200,000th visitors were a group of three from Fukuoka and Kanagawa Prefectures, and they shared their surprise and delight: “Today we happened to pass by Anime Tokyo Station and decided to come in because we love anime. We didn’t know this facility existed. We’re surprised to be here at such a commemorative moment—celebrating the 200,000th visitor.” When asked about which exhibits left an impression on them, they commented, “We were amazed to see the anime production materials archive and the anime production process exhibits on the first basement floor. It really hit us that anime is something that is actually created by people. It’s incredible.”Anime Tokyo Station preserves approximately 50,000 valuable materials related to past anime production processes. The facility serves as a launch point into the world of anime,  where a variety of people such as travelers visiting Tokyo from all over the world can gather and enjoy discovering both past masterpieces and the latest popular series. Going forward, we will share the appeal of anime and Tokyo with a wide range of anime fans both in Japan and overseas.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 the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station- Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m. / Special exhibitions last admission: 6:30 p.m.)- Closed: Mondays*If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following dayNew Year's holiday periodMay be closed on other daysPlease 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/@アニメ東京ステーションInquiries regarding this press releasePublic Relations Office of "Anime Tokyo Station" (Kyodo PR)Contact person: Miri YasudaE-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20250818.pdf  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

JCN Newswire

Eisai Launches In-House Developed Anti-Insomnia Drug DAYVIGO(R) (Lemborexant) in China

18 8 月, 2025

TOKYO, August 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) announced today that the in-house discovered and developed orexin receptor antagonist DAYVIGO® (brand name in China: “DAYVIGO®“ generic name: lemborexant) has launched in China for the treatment of adults with insomnia, characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance. Eisai received approval for DAYVIGO in China on May 27, 2025. This marks the first orexin receptor antagonist to be launched in China.DAYVIGO is a dual orexin receptor antagonist that inhibits orexin neurotransmission regulating sleep-wake rhythm by binding competitively to the two subtypes of orexin receptors (OX1R and OX2R). Unlike conventional treatments such as benzodiazepines that act directly on sleepiness, DAYVIGO acts on the orexin neurotransmitter system, which regulates wakefulness. DAYVIGO is believed to facilitate sleep on set and sleep maintenance, and wake by regulating sleep-wake rhythm by suppressing hyperactive wakefulness. DAYVIGO binds to orexin receptors OX1R and OX2R and acts as a competitive antagonist with stronger inhibition effect on OX2R, which suppresses both REM and non-REM sleep drive, such that DAYVIGO may provide faster sleep onset and better sleep maintenance to patients.Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, that has occured at least three times a week for at least one month, and which can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating and irritability.1,2 The prevalence of insomnia among adults in China is reported to be 15.0%3, with approximately 172.5 million people thought to suffer from insomnia.4 Currently, the mainstream prescription drugs for insomnia in China are treatments that act directly on sleepiness, and there is increasing demand for new treatment options.Eisai will deliver novel action mechanism, DAYVIGO, as a new treatment option to Chinese insomnia patients with the hope of contributing to restoration of daytime function and recovery for patients with insomnia by potentially delivering an active daytime life through fast sleep onset and good quality sleep.“DAYVIGO®” Product OutlineChinese Trade name:(DAYVIGO)Chinese generic name:(Lemborexant Tablets)Indication for use: Insomnia in adults that characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance Dosage and administration: The recommended dosage of DAYVIGO is 5 mg taken once per night, immediately before going to bed, with at least 7 hours remaining before the planned time of awakening. The dose may be increased to the maximum dose of 10 mg.About DAYVIGO (Generic Name: Lemborexant)DAYVIGO, an orexin receptor antagonist, is Eisai’s in-house discovered and developed small molecule that inhibits orexin neurotransmission by binding competitively to the two subtypes of orexin receptors (orexin receptor 1 and 2). Fast on/off receptor kinetics of lemborexant to orexin receptors may influence lemborexant’s potential to facilitate improvements in sleep onset and maintenance with minimal morning residual effects. It has been approved for the treatment of insomnia in more than 25 countries including Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia and countries in Asia.1. Ferrie JE, et al. Sleep epidemiology – a rapidly growing field. Int J Epidemiol. 2011;40(6):1431–1437.2. Roth T. Insomnia: definition, prevalence, etiology and consequences. J Clin Sleep Med. 2007;3(5 Suppl):S7–S10.3. Cao X-L, et al. The prevalence of insomnia in the general population in China: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 2017,12(2):e0170772.4. Internal estimateMedia Inquiries:Public Relations Department,Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.