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MINAMIAOYAMA REAL ESTATE Opens Wholly Rented Lodge HOTEL WAMARE ONIKOUBE in Miyagi Prefecture

– Directly Connected to Ski Slopes, Visitors Can Enjoy Onsen and Traditional Japanese Crafts While Staying in Wholly Rented Lodge –

TOKYO, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MINAMIAOYAMA REAL ESTATE Inc. opened HOTEL WAMARE ONIKOUBE in the Onikoube district of Naruko Onsen resort area of Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, on January 20, 2025, featuring a lodge where tourists can rent entirely.

Under the concept of “space not only to stay but also immerse oneself in traditional Japanese culture,” traditional handicrafts of the Tohoku region are incorporated in various parts of the hotel, providing inbound guests with a special experience.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108579/202502194472/_prw_PI6fl_OjJ47FxG.jpg 

Up to 14 guests can enjoy the beautiful nature year-round, while experiencing traditional Japanese culture in a private space. The hotel is suitable not only for trips with family or friends but also for remote work. Guests have ski-in ski-out access during the winter. In addition, various other activities are available throughout the year, such as hiking and onsens (hot springs) in the spring, summer and autumn, appreciating the foliage in late autumn.

– Interior design incorporating traditional Tohoku crafts
The hotel is decorated with “Naruko Kokeshi” dolls, Tohoku’s signature traditional handicraft, and a mask of “Kamagami-sama,” a designated cultural property of Miyagi Prefecture. Moreover, Iwayado and Sendai chests adorned with lacquer and metal fittings are displayed inside the hotel, creating a charming atmosphere through craftsmanship.

Image2: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202502194472-O3-SE6MZpGd.pdf 

– Full lodge rental allows guests to enjoy luxury stay
There are five bedrooms along with one Japanese-style and one Western-style living rooms. Moreover, the hotel has a hinoki (cypress) bathtub in addition to a modern bathroom. The restroom and vanity are spacious, and the lodge includes a kitchen and all-in-one washer-dryer perfect for extended stays.

Image3: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202502194472-O2-Kf99ExPi.pdf 

– Situated in nature-rich area
The hotel is located in the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park that straddles Miyagi, Iwate, Akita and Yamagata Prefectures, where guests can experience the natural beauty of each season.

Winter (December-March)
The hotel offers ski-in ski-out access to Onikoube Ski Resort, which is known for its diverse range of slopes for both beginner and experienced skiers. Furthermore, snowboarding is permitted on all slopes. Family-exclusive slopes as well as a daycare center are available. After skiing, guests can relax in a hinoki bath at the hotel or visit one of the onsen facilities around the hotel.

Onikoube Ski Resort: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108579/202502194472/_prw_PI7fl_hS8z0Kvx.jpg 

Spring-summer (April-August)
There are various scenic spots such as lush green mountains, waterfalls, valleys, lakes and dams near the hotel. Visitors can enjoy the outdoors through activities such as hiking, packrafting and fishing in mountain streams.

Lake Kamuro: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108579/202502194472/_prw_PI8fl_miBsreN4.jpg 

Autumn (September-November)
There are many locations for autumn foliage viewing around the Naruko area. Autumn leaves in the Naruko Gorge, which is 100 meters deep, are particularly spectacular. In addition, visitors can savor freshly harvested “Yukimusubi” rice and “Onisoba” noodles, which are both local specialties.

Naruko Valley known as one of Japan’s best autumn foliage spots: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108579/202502194472/_prw_PI9fl_7ZFNOtZ2.jpg 

Transportation
– By air
Taipei (Taoyuan/Songshan) to Sendai Airport (direct flights available)
Rent-a-car from Sendai Airport (2 hours) or a Shinkansen bullet train and taxi

– By car
About a 60-minute drive from the Furukawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway (Five free parking spots available)

– By local railway line and taxi
Arrive at Furukawa Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line and transfer to the JR Rikuu East Line for Naruko-Onsen Station (about a 45-minute trip).
The hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride from Naruko-Onsen Station.

*Paid shuttle services from Naruko-Onsen, Furukawa and Sendai stations as well as Sendai Airport can be arranged.

To reserve, please visit: https://www.wa-mare.com/zh-tw/column/217/ 

YUEWEN WONDERLAND Daily Footfall Surpasses 20K+ Visitors as ‘Goods Economy’ Ignites Singapore

SINGAPORE, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The one-month-long YUEWEN WONDERLAND event at Marina Bay Sands culminated successfully, marking a significant milestone in cross-cultural IP activation. Leveraging Yuewen’s vast IP portfolio, the event focused on the emerging “Goods Economy” trend—defined as the booming IP-derived merchandise market—through popular IP merchandise exhibitions, interactive experiences, and cultural activities. This delivered a multidimensional, immersive IP experience to consumers in Singapore and the broader region.


During its run, the event achieved a daily footfall exceeding 20,000 visitors, particularly booming during Chinese New Year, when it became one of the hottest local social media check-in spots. Sales of IP peripheral products also reached a new high. To date, the total Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of the Chinese New Year and Singapore-themed series products prepared by YUEWEN GOODS for YUEWEN WONDERLAND has exceeded 5 million yuan. On second-hand trading platforms, badges from the Singapore YUEWEN WONDERLAND collection attracted IP fans to engage in “eating goods” (buying IP peripherals), with trading volume surging.


Featuring eight iconic Yuewen IPs—including The King’s Avatar, Lord of Mysteries, Joy of Life, Battle Through the Heavens, The Outcast, Fox Spirit Matchmaker, Guardians of the Dafeng, and The Unruly Immortals—the event created an integrated IP experience hub combining entertainment, shopping, and photo opportunities. While showcasing domestically popular merchandise, Yuewen also integrated local Singaporean culture and launched its Singapore-themed YUEWEN WONDERLAND peripheral product line for the first time in the region. These products spanned popular categories such as cards, badges, and Chinese New Year gift sets.

For overseas markets, Yuewen has introduced over 30 product categories and 230 SKUs tailored to local consumer preferences.

The event also featured cultural activations like IP character parades and interactive experiences that blended traditional Chinese elements, offering visitors a diverse and immersive journey.

In recent years, IP has become a critical bridge linking emotional identification with consumer behavior. This has diversified IP development models and fueled the rise of the “Goods Economy.” The overwhelming success of YUEWEN WONDERLAND exemplifies this trend, drawing crowds of dedicated fans—including international enthusiasts from Korea, the United States, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Attendees not only immersed themselves in the worlds of their favorite IPs but also actively participated in “goods consumption”—a tangible expression of their passion. The Straits Times highlighted this phenomenon as a manifestation of the “C-WAVE”, noting queues around installations for The King’s Avatar and Joy of Life, which underscored the global appeal of Chinese IPs.


This C-WAVE’s sweep through Singapore reaffirms the immense potential of Chinese IPs on the world stage. In recent years, Yuewen has prioritized IP globalization, exemplified by its upcoming “2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards” on February 28 at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. The event will convene over 3,000 industry leaders, cultural icons, and global IP fans, aiming to foster cross-sector collaboration and serve as a gateway for Chinese IPs to thrive internationally. Notable attendees include more than 100 renowned online literature authors (with cumulative fan bases spanning hundreds of millions) and over 10 A-list celebrities.

A highlight will be the unveiling of Yuewen’s annual IP honor list, recognizing 2024’s top-performing IPs across literature, animation, film, TV, gaming, and merchandise. The “2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards” will introduce new categories for IP merchandise innovation and cross-brand marketing for the first time, accelerating synergies between IPs and retail economies.

Mr. Hou Xiaonan, CEO and President of Yuewen and Vice President of Tencent’s Platform and Content Group, stated: “IP is transforming how young people globally engage with culture. Yuewen aims to explore innovative, shared experiences that transcend borders through diverse formats. In 2025, we will accelerate our globalization strategy, building a full-chain ecosystem — ‘IP Farmland, IP Factory, IP Wonderland’—to incubate original IPs from online literature and comics, visualize content via animation, drama series and films, and deliver multidimensional experiences worldwide. Together, we’ll amplify the global influence of Chinese IPs.”

About Yuewen

Yuewen (HKEX: 0772 China Literature Limited) is a culture and entertainment group that was founded in March 2015. It focuses on creating and developing intellectual property (IP) derived from online literature. Yuewen has a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, such as QQ Reading, Qidian, New Classics Media, and Tencent Animation & Comics. It serves as a platform for tens of millions of creators and a rich reserve of literary works across 200 genres, catering to hundreds of millions of users. Yuewen is renowned for its celebrated IP portfolio, which includes popular titles like Joy of Life, My Heroic Husband, Candle in the Tomb, The King’s Avatar, Soul Land, and Nirvana in Fire. It has successfully expanded its reach across various media formats, including audiobooks, animation, comics, films, drama series, games, and offline merchandise.

Contact person: Wendy Liu
Email: ywpr@yuewen.com

Hydrofast Launches Innovative Countertop Water Filters, Revolutionizing Healthy Home Hydration with B100 and C100 Models

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hydrofast, an emerging innovator in eco-friendly home technology, is set to make its U.S. debut with two advanced countertop reverse osmosis (RO) water filters: the B100 (basic) and C100 (with cold water function). Available on Amazon starting February 28, Hydrofast plans to expand into Europe by April 2025.

Redefining Home Essentials with Innovation & Sustainability

Hydrofast specializes in compact, eco-friendly home appliances, including countertop and under-sink water purifiers, coffee machines, and kitchen waste disposers. The 2025 roadmap includes seven new eco-friendly home products, with water purification as the flagship category.

B100 & C100: Next-Generation RO Water Filters

Both models feature a 6-stage, 0.0001μm RO filtration system, removing up to 95% of total dissolved solids (TDS) and over 1,000 contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and chlorine. A remineralization stage restores essential minerals for balanced, fresh-tasting water, while UV sterilization eliminates 99.99% of bacteria and viruses.

Core Technical Superiority:

  • 3:1 Pure-to-Waste Ratio: Maximizes water efficiency and extends filter lifespan (annual replacement).
  • 4L Side-Mounted Tank: Compact, portable, and plumbing-free—ideal for kitchens, RVs, and offices.
  • Smart Touchscreen: Displays real-time TDS levels, filter status, and dispensing settings.
  • Eco-Conscious Design: Each filter produces up to 1,056 gallons (≈8,000 plastic bottles saved), reducing environmental impact.

C100 Exclusive Advantages

The C100 stands out with its cold water mode, featuring a 0.5L ice-water reservoir for a refreshing experience. Offering 4 rapid-dispense presets (100/250/450/600mL), the C100 provides the flexibility to meet different hydration needs.

B100 Precision Performance

The B100 offers 10 customizable dispensing modes (50-999mL), making it ideal for precise recipes and hydration tracking.

Certified Safety & Support

Hydrofast’s products are designed for longevity, ease of use, and minimal environmental impact. All models are FCC-certified and meet UL safety standards, with comprehensive after-sales support, including clear operating instructions and a professional customer service team.

Exclusive Launch Offers

To celebrate its U.S. debut, Hydrofast is offering special discounts:

– B100: $229.00 (Regular price $299.00)

– C100: $329.00 (Regular price $399.00)

Products will be available on Amazon, with European sales beginning in spring 2025. For updates, follow Hydrofast on social media or visit:

About Hydrofast

Hydrofast redefines home essentials with smart, sustainable solutions that enhance everyday living. From water purification systems to kitchen appliances, the brand is dedicated to health, convenience, and environmental responsibility.

Website https://hydrofast.com 

 

TASMIT Launches Large Glass Substrate Inspection System for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging

— Industry’s First Double-Sided and Internal Defect Inspection —


YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2025 – TASMIT Inc. has launched a new inspection system for glass substrates as part of its INSPECTRA® series of semiconductor wafer visual inspection systems, which has gained attention for its high efficiency in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

INSPECTRA® Series
INSPECTRA® Series

The system detects not only pattern defects and foreign particles but also cracks and other defects specific to glass substrates, and is compatible with glass core interposers and rewiring glass carriers, which are used in panel level packaging (PLP) and other applications.

Semiconductor manufacturers have previously introduced inspection systems for detecting surface defects on glass substrates, but this is the industry’s first system capable of inspecting both the front and back surfaces as well as the internal structure to date.

TASMIT aims to supply the large glass substrate inspection system to manufacturers of advanced semiconductors, such as PLP, targeting 1 billion yen in orders in FY2025 and 2 billion yen in FY2030.

Currently, in 2.5D packaging, a next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technology, the increasing performance of semiconductors has led to larger semiconductor chips and a higher number of chips per package due to greater integration. As a result, interposers, which serve as intermediate components that electrically connect the chips to the substrate, are also being scaled up.

Traditionally, silicon interposers made from 12-inch silicon wafers have been used, but since wafers are circular, the number of chips that can be produced from a single wafer is limited, making it difficult to meet growing demand. As an alternative, glass substrates are gaining attention as they can be manufactured in large substrate sizes and are suitable for high-density packaging, this new system is compatible with industry-standard 650mm square glass substrates.

However, as glass is prone to microscopic cracks, semiconductors produced using glass substrates may experience operational stability issues, requiring their removal during processing. Traditionally, surface inspection has relied on optical technology, but due to the design of the inspection equipment, only surface defects could be detected, and no equipment could identify backside or internal defects.

Building on the core specifications of the conventional INSPECTRA® series, a new developed glass substrate defect detection and analysis algorithm and an optical inspection mechanism utilizing polarized light have been installed, enabling the industry’s first-ever double-sided and internal defect inspection. It also retains the high inspection speed, 40 seconds per panel, of the INSPECTRA® series, which enables 100% inspection and helps prevent defective products from reaching the market.Hashtag: #TASMIT

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About TASMIT, Inc.

TASMIT, Inc. was established in July 2000 as a subsidiary of Toray Engineering by consolidating the semiconductor inspection equipment business owned by Toray Engineering Group.

The company provides high-quality solutions for the semiconductor device manufacturing market through two core products: the “INSPECTRA” optical semiconductor wafer inspection system, and the “NGR electron beam semiconductor wafer pattern verification system, both of which utilize strong semiconductor inspection technology.

Liyang Granary: Witnessing the Millennium Splendor of the Grand Canal and Xunxian County

HEBI, China, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report by Huanqiu.com: Liyang Granary, the world cultural heritage site in Xunxian County, Central China’s Henan, is a testament to the great wisdom of the older generation. To this day, it continues to tell the story of harvest and hope.

 

video:Liyang Granary:Witnessing the Millennium Splendor of the Grand Canal and Xunxian County

Xunxian County, anciently known as Liyang, saw the establishment of Liyang Granary during the Sui Dynasty, where people utilized the Grand Canal for grain transportation. As one of the key official granaries during the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties, Liyang Granary witnessed the history of Xunxian County as an important grain town in ancient times.

According to local records, Liyang Granary had a total grain storage capacity of over 30 million pounds, enough to feed 80,000 adults for a year. These figures offer a glimpse into why Junxian was known as the “granary of the nation.”

Standing in front of the ruins of Liyang Granary, people seem to travel through time and space, returning to that prosperous era and feeling the wisdom and diligence of the ancient laborers.

Today, new technologies for intelligent and green grain storage are emerging continuously. From underground to above ground, and up to the cloud, this land has been guarding us silently, just to make our food secure.

According to interviews conducted by Global Times Online reporters, Liyang Granary has become a national cultural heritage site and a renowned cultural tourist destination through the integration of cultural heritage protection and tourism development. Visitors can experience the historical depth at the ancient granary ruins or savor local cuisine and embrace the rich Central Plains culture on the old streets of Liyang Ancient Town.

The story of Liyang Granary is just one chapter in the long scroll of Xunxian County’s cultural history. From ancient landscapes to profound culture, from traditional folk customs to modern prosperity, this land holds many more treasures waiting to be discovered.

 

AW Education International Donates $500,000 to Lead a New Paradigm for Global Talent Development

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On February 19th, the 2025 Spring International Future Forum was held at Stanford University. The event was hosted by the School of Medicine’s Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University, co-hosted by the International Youth Alliance “Buddy Inspires Me (BIM),” and co-organized by the AW Heritage Education Institute.

The forum brought together global scholars and elites, including Wang Jing, Founder and CEO of AW Education  International, and Guo Liwei, Co-Founder of AW Education International and Executive Dean of the AW Heritage Education Institute, to discuss cutting-edge topics in future education and youth development.

The founder and CEO of AW Education International, Wang Jing (fifth from the right) Co-founder and Executive Dean of the AW Heritage Education Institute, Guo Liwei (sixth from the right)
The founder and CEO of AW Education International, Wang Jing (fifth from the right) Co-founder and Executive Dean of the AW Heritage Education Institute, Guo Liwei (sixth from the right)

At the forum, the AW Heritage Education Institute announced a generous $500,000 donation to the BIM International Youth Alliance. As a permanent director of BIM, Wang Jing, Founder and CEO of AW Education International, expressed that the organization would utilize global high-quality resources to support the growth and development of young students. This initiative represents a significant strategic step for AW Education International in the field of international youth leadership development.

Synergy of Vision: Empowering Youth Leaders with BIM

Amidst the profound transformation of the global landscape, AW Education International has recognized that traditional education models can no longer meet the needs of future society for versatile leaders. Committed to innovation and breakthroughs, the organization strives to empower young students through diverse and effective approaches, aiming to cultivate leadership talent for both family succession and global development.

BIM, an international youth organization initiated by young students, aims to break down barriers in academia, thought, and resources, creating a barrier-free, boundaryless platform for youth development. This vision aligns perfectly with AW  Education International’s mission of “enhancing students’ global competence”.

The $500,000 donation will focus on linking top-tier global educational and technological resources, providing young students with more diverse growth opportunities. These opportunities include regularly hosting international forums, seminars, and public welfare projects, as well as offering benefits such as STEAM competitions, AI frontier exploration, interdisciplinary courses, cross-disciplinary workshops, high-end social salons, and high-end study tours. These initiatives will allow young people to interact face-to-face with top global experts and scholars, discuss global issues together, and inspire more possibilities for young students to contribute wisdom and strength to addressing global challenges.

A Decade of Transformation: From Service Provider to Global Education Ecosystem Builder

Since its establishment in 2014, AW Education International has been committed to the mission of “enhancing the global competence of Chinese students.” The brand has consistently penetrated high-net-worth customer segments, becoming a strategic partner of major banks in mainland China, a designated cooperation agency for private banking, and a partner for many high-end insurance companies and family offices.

In the era of globalization, AW Education International recognizes that the youth are the future of the nation and the hope of the world. At the donation ceremony, Guo Liwei, Co-Founder of AW Education International and Executive Dean of the AW Heritage Education Institute, also emphasized the importance of the alliance: “We hope that through cooperation with BIM, we can provide a global platform for young people to transcend national boundaries and break down barriers. We can help link higher-quality academic resources and practical opportunities, allowing them to access cutting-edge academic knowledge, participate in meaningful public welfare activities, and develop their leadership and teamwork skills, ultimately becoming an important force for social progress and family succession.”

This donation and cooperation mark a significant milestone in AW Education International’s ten-year journey and a perfect interpretation of its accumulated experience. It not only demonstrates the organization’s forward-looking vision as an industry leader but also signifies its transformation from an educational service provider to a global education ecosystem builder.

Amid the challenges of globalization, AW Education International is innovatively creating a bridge that integrates Eastern and Western education. By doing so, it offers Chinese wisdom and practical models for nurturing a new generation of global leaders and family successors, contributing to the development of global governance in a new era.

U.S. Institute of Peace Announces Visaka Dharmadasa the Fifth Annual Women Building Peace Award Laureate

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is honored to announce Visaka Dharmadasa of Sri Lanka as the Fifth Annual Laureate of USIP’s Women Building Peace Award.

This international award, which is given annually, honors women of extraordinary commitment, leadership and impact who are working to resolve violent conflict and build peace in their communities.

“Visaka is a woman of courage and tenacity,” said Ambassador George Moose, USIP’s Acting President and CEO. “As someone who has worked as a peacebuilder for over three decades, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to peace in the face of extreme difficulties.”

USIP’s Women Building Peace Council, comprised of distinguished experts and advisers, selected the Laureate and two Finalists, Lilly BeSoer of Papua New Guinea and Mairo Mandara of Nigeria. The three women were selected from over 170 nominations received from 52 countries.

“In Sri Lanka, where conflict has been fueled by societal divisions, Visaka’s work is a testament to the power of mediation and compassion,” said Council Co-Chairs Marcia Carlucci and Megan Beyer.

Visaka Dharmadasa is the chair and chief operations officer of the Association of War Affected Women, an organization that facilitates cross-community dialogues and educates soldiers and community leaders about international standards for the conduct of war. In the midst of Sri Lanka’s civil war, after her son, a young military officer, was reported missing in action, Visaka established Parents of Servicemen Missing in Action as a mechanism for families to investigate the fate of loved ones who had been reported as missing.

Today, Visaka Dharmadasa’s organization empowers Sri Lankan women and prepares them for leadership opportunities in their communities and in local government.  

For information on USIP’s Women Building Peace Award, visit www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace

For information on USIP, visit: https://www.usip.org/about

The debate on MSCs is over; it’s time to promote MSC therapy in practice

TIANJIN, China, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The debate on MSCs, mesenchymal stromal cells versus mesenchymal stem cells, continued for more than two decades (since 2006), being the major obstacle for MSCs study and clinical application. The major issue focuses on mesenchymal stem cells could not be approved for clinical application without a thorough test for safety issue (e.g. tumor formation), but all pre-clinical studies proved the MSCs currently prepared and used are safe without the concerns relevant to stem cells, so that they are mesenchymal stromal cells, not stem cells. However, where is the approval?

A recent publication in HELIYON ends the debate. The work presented by Regenerative Medicine Research Center at West China Hospital and Tasly Stem cell Biology Laboratory, Unveiling Distinctions Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Stem Cells by Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis breaks the momentum of confusion in the development of MSC therapy both fundamentally and practically.

Using advanced single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and pseudotime trajectory analysis, the research group identified that stem cells exhibit robust self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) lack the expression of these critical stemness genes. These genes include SOX2, NANOG, POU5F1, SFRP2, DPPA4, SALL4, ZFP42 and MYCN. On the other hand, there are five critical stromal cell functional genes, TMEM119, FBLN5, KCNK2, CLDN11 and DKK1, that are only expressed in the mesenchymal stromal cells, not in stem cells.


The study identified that currently widely used MSCs from different tissues are mesenchymal stromal cells. But, these cells (MSCs) have been long misused as stem cells in many cases. Although the safety issue becomes ignored due to the nature of MSCs, the therapeutic efficacy of these cells has been a big drawback due to the confusion of their mechanism of action. The mechanism of action of stem cells is mediated by their capacity of differentiation to replace the damaged functional cells, but that of stromal cells is medicated by homing and excrete function leading to microenvironmental rejuvenation. Of course, these two different types of cells must be used differently for their differential function in the host.

Therefore, this new breakthrough not only ends the debate on MSCs, but also and importantly, helps reorientating our effort towards effective application of MSCs in clinical practice.