HONG KONG, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — YEAHKA LIMITED issued a voluntary announcement. It indicates that in the third quarter of 2025, the company’s overseas business continues to maintain rapid growth with the gross payment value (GPV) of overseas business reached approximately RMB 1.3 billion, surpassing the full-year overseas GPV in 2024.

Moreover, Yeahka’s one-stop payment and value-added services continued to support international clients. Through its investment in Fushi Technology, Yeahka expanded its service reach to support brands such as PlayMade, Jumbo, and Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks across multiple Asian regions.

Fushi, as a leading AI services provider for merchants & consumers in Asia, deploys its self-developed, all-in-one intelligent customer loyalty and marketing platform—Fynix—to provide PlayMade with a comprehensive CRM solution, delivering a customized branded app and online ordering system. This collaboration aims to empower PlayMade to further enhance its customer experience, achieve upgrades in precision marketing and membership operations, and build more advanced digital capabilities in an increasingly competitive market.

Seizing a Promising Market in Southeast Asia

According to public data, Southeast Asia boasts a population of over 600 million, with highly popularized mobile payment systems and immense potential in the food and beverage retail market. However, merchants commonly face challenges such as high customer acquisition costs, low conversion rates, and difficulties in measuring marketing ROI.
Fushi has identified this market opportunity, committing to help merchants shift from a “traffic-driven mindset” to a “customer retention-focused strategy” through digital technological means. By enabling deep operation and sustained growth of customer assets, Fushi supports merchants in swiftly adapting to market changes and achieving sustainable business growth.

All-in-One Intelligent CRM Solution: Building a Growth Flywheel for Customer Assets

Fynix, Fushi’s CRM platform, integrates a rich suite of functions including membership management, automated marketing, user analysis, and loyalty incentive systems, forming a complete closed-loop customer growth model. Through refined customer operations and automated marketing, it empowers merchants to improve operational efficiency intelligently.
Compared to traditional CRM platforms, Fynix demonstrates significant advantages:

• “All-in-One” intelligent customer loyalty and marketing automation platform: Equipped with tools for customer data analysis, flexible configuration of membership and marketing functions, and precision automated marketing touchpoints. Merchants can manage the entire customer operation lifecycle without switching between multiple systems, making operations more convenient and efficient.
• Closed-loop growth mechanism: The system transforms each consumer interaction into data assets, uses intelligent analysis to trigger personalized marketing, and forms a virtuous cycle of “data-analysis-engagement-repurchase”, continuously boosting customer lifetime value.
• Diverse marketing tool matrix: The platform implements various membership benefits, gift card and prepaid value services, creative stamp collection activities, and many more, allowing flexible choices to help merchants achieve high-conversion marketing outcomes at low costs.
• In-depth data analysis: Detailed membership data reports and promotional performance analysis enable merchants to monitor business health in real time and make data-driven business decisions.

Empowering Brands for Efficient Operations and Competitive Barriers

As a renowned handcrafted bubble tea chain in Southeast Asia, PlayMade is committed to continuously improving customer experience and brand loyalty. With the implementation of Fushi’s CRM solution, PlayMade has achieved multiple upgrades—intelligent customer loyalty systems, fully automated marketing processes, and data-driven operational decisions. In the increasingly competitive tea beverage market in Southeast Asia, PlayMade is now equipped with a powerful tool for efficient marketing and precise customer acquisition, differentiating itself from competitors.

Moreover, Fushi’s AI Agent ordering system tailor-made for PlayMade is set to launch soon. With the system integrated into the PlayMade app, customers can use natural language — via voice or text — to inquire about products, receive personalized recommendations, and complete orders in a conversational manner. This will further enhance the user experience and increase order conversion rates for PlayMade.

This partnership not only marks a significant deployment of Yeahka’s all-in-one CRM solution in the Southeast Asian market, but also signifies how innovative brands like PlayMade are leveraging advanced SaaS tools to build future-ready, differentiated competitiveness. This trend, in turn, is expected to further expand Yeahka’s market opportunities given its unique competive edge combining vertical know-how, established insights history into consumer behaviour as well as its innovative prowess.

BEIJING, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Weihai International Logistics Park, located in Weihai International Port Economic and Technological Development District of Weihai City, east China’s Shandong Province, has recently achieved a record high of over 300,000 outbound parcels per day.

To deal with the peak season of the cross-border e-commerce, Weihai International Port Economic and Technological Development District has stepped up efforts to improve business environment and work with relevant authorities such as the customs in providing better service.

According to Gao Yin, manager of Yuanhang Sea-Higher Supply Chain Co., Ltd., thanks to the efficient customs clearance support and seamless logistics coordination, the order delivery cycle has been reduced by one-third, resulting in a significant boost in customer satisfaction.

It is estimated that this year’s export business volume during the year-end sales promotion has increased by over 30 percent year on year, with order growth from Japan and South Korea showing the most significant acceleration.

As a hub for cross-border e-commerce, Weihai International Port Economic and Technological Development District has improved the industry ecosystem and driven business growth.

In the future, the district will deepen cooperation with customs and other authorities, explore innovative service models, and further enhance clearance efficiency to support the high-quality development of cross-border e-commerce.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348482.html

BEIJING, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gaotu Techedu Inc. (NYSE: GOTU) (“Gaotu” or the “Company”), a leading technology-driven education company in China focused on enabling lifelong learning through AI-powered solutions, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025.

Third Quarter 2025 Highlights^[1]

• Net revenues were RMB1,579.0 million, increased by 30.7% from RMB1,208.3 million in the same period of 2024.
• Gross billings^[2] were RMB1,188.9 million, increased by 11.2% from RMB1,069.2 million in the same period of 2024.
• Loss from operations was RMB178.0 million, compared with loss from operations of RMB490.1 million in the same period of 2024.
• Net loss was RMB147.1 million, compared with net loss of RMB471.3 million in the same period of 2024.
• Non-GAAP net loss was RMB137.7 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB457.2 million in the same period of 2024.
• Net operating cash outflow was RMB660.2 million, compared with net operating cash outflow of RMB714.4 million in the same period of 2024.

Third Quarter 2025 Key Financial and Operating Data

(In thousands of RMB, except for percentages)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 Highlights

• Net revenues were RMB4,461.5 million, increased by 41.0% from RMB3,164.9 million in the same period of 2024.
• Gross billings were RMB4,330.0 million, increased by 25.4% from RMB3,452.2 million in the same period of 2024.
• Loss from operations was RMB385.1 million, compared with loss from operations of RMB1,032.6 million in the same period of 2024.
• Net loss was RMB239.1 million, compared with net loss of RMB913.1 million in the same period of 2024.
• Non-GAAP net loss was RMB207.3 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB872.2 million in the same period of 2024.
• Net operating cash outflow was RMB548.7 million, compared with net operating outflow of RMB525.6 million in the same period of 2024.

First Nine Months 2025 Key Financial and Operating Data

(In thousands of RMB, except for percentages)

Larry Xiangdong Chen, the Company’s founder, Chairman and CEO, commented, “With a profound focus on user needs, Gaotu continues to provide end-to-end educational products and solutions across the full learning lifecycle. We have deeply integrated online and offline formats and accelerated full-stack AI integration across our teaching, services, and operations to provide users with increasingly differentiated and personalized services. In the third quarter, we achieved sustained growth momentum and enhanced profitability. Our revenue grew by 30.7% year over year to nearly RMB1.6 billion, while on a non-GAAP basis, both loss from operations and net loss narrowed significantly by 64.6% and 69.9%, respectively. Excluding the impact of share repurchases, our cash position improved year over year, strengthening our balance sheet and demonstrating our disciplined financial management. We also remained committed to delivering shareholder returns, completing our US$80 million share repurchase program initially launched in November 2022 this quarter and initiating the new US$100 million program approved in May. “

“Going forward, Gaotu will continue to pursue sustainable growth by strengthening our pipeline of high-quality teachers, enhancing execution and leveraging data-driven operations, delivering enduring, long-term value to all our stakeholders.”

Shannon Shen, CFO of the Company, added, “In the third quarter, we sustained solid revenue growth while elevating our overall operational quality and efficiency. Operating expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased significantly, improving by 27.6 percentage points year-over-year. Additionally, our user acquisition efficiency improved 12.8% year over year, and net operating cash outflow narrowed by approximately RMB54.2 million year over year, reflecting the early benefits of structured efficiency gains across our operations. Deferred revenue grew robustly to nearly RMB1.8 billion, up 23.2% year-over-year, providing greater visibility of revenue for the upcoming quarters. We will remain focused on driving high-quality, sustainable growth by optimizing unit economics, while enhancing our operational quality and resilience through continued product refinement, systematic teacher development and brand building.”

Financial Results for the Third Quarter of 2025

Net Revenues

Net revenues increased by 30.7% to RMB1,579.0 million from RMB1,208.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, which was mainly due to the continued year-over-year growth in gross billings as a result of our sufficient and effective response to strong market demand. Furthermore, our high-quality educational products and learning services resulted in improved recognition of our product and service offerings.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues increased by 24.6% to RMB535.5 million from RMB429.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. The increase was mainly due to expansion of instructors and tutors workforce, higher rental cost, and increased depreciation and amortization cost.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit increased by 34.0% to RMB1,043.5 million from RMB778.5 million in the third quarter of 2024. Gross profit margin increased to 66.1% from 64.4% in the same period of 2024.

Non-GAAP gross profit increased by 33.8% to RMB1,044.5 million from RMB780.7 million in the third quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP gross profit margin increased to 66.1% from 64.6% in the same period of 2024.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased by 3.7% to RMB1,221.5 million from RMB1,268.6 million in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease was primarily due to our precise efficiency management and implementation of cost reduction, which resulted in year-over-year decreases in personnel expenses of selling, general and administrative, as well as research and development function.

• Selling expenses decreased to RMB873.4 million from RMB885.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.
• Research and development expenses decreased to RMB162.9 million from RMB189.3 million in the third quarter of 2024.
• General and administrative expenses decreased to RMB185.2 million from RMB193.5 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Loss from Operations

Loss from operations was RMB178.0 million, compared with loss from operations of RMB490.1 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Non-GAAP loss from operations was RMB168.6 million, compared with non-GAAP loss from operations of RMB476.0 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Interest Income and Realized Gains from Investments

Interest income and realized gains from investments, on aggregate, were RMB14.9 million, compared with a total of RMB21.7 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Other Income, net

Other income, net was RMB14.6 million, compared with other income, net of RMB4.0 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Net Loss

Net loss was RMB147.1 million, compared with net loss of RMB471.3 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Non-GAAP net loss was RMB137.7 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of RMB457.2 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Cash Flow

Net operating cash outflow in the third quarter of 2025 was RMB660.2 million.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per ADS

Basic and diluted net loss per ADS were both RMB0.61 in the third quarter of 2025.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted net loss per ADS were both RMB0.57 in the third quarter of 2025.

Share Outstanding

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had 161,367,979 ordinary shares outstanding.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, Short-term and Long-term Investments

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term and long-term investments of RMB3,040.4 million in aggregate, compared with a total of RMB4,094.3 million as of December 31, 2024.

Acquisition of Property

In November 2025, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of equity interest of Zhengzhou You’ai Culture Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zhengzhou You’ai”) for a consideration of RMB206.6 million. The underlying assets of Zhengzhou You’ai are four buildings currently under construction, which have been topped out in November 2025. The Company intends to utilize the buildings as a campus premise upon completion. The transaction is a related party transaction and has been approved by both the Company’s board of directors and the audit committee of the board.

Share Repurchase

In November 2022, the Company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program (“2022 Share Repurchase Program”), under which the Company may repurchase up to US$30 million of its shares, effective until November 22, 2025. In November 2023, the Company’s board of directors authorized modifications to the share repurchase program, increasing the aggregate value of shares that may be repurchased from US$30 million to US$80 million, effective until November 22, 2025.

As of September 22, 2025, the Company’s repurchase amount had reached US$80 million and the 2022 Share Repurchase Program was completed.

In May 2025, the Company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program (“2025 Share Repurchase Program”), under which the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate value of US$100 million of its shares during the three-year period beginning upon the completion of the Company’s 2022 Share Repurchase Program.

As of November 25, 2025, the Company had cumulatively repurchased approximately 27.5 million ADSs for approximately US$85.6 million under aforesaid two share repurchase programs.

Business Outlook

Based on the Company’s current estimates, total net revenues for the fourth quarter of 2025 are expected to be between RMB1,628 million and RMB1,648 million, representing an increase of 17.2% to 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. These estimates reflect the Company’s current expectations, which are subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (9:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, November 26, 2025). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

International: 1-412-317-6061
United States: 1-888-317-6003
Hong Kong: 800-963-976
Mainland China: 400-120-6115
Passcode: 5199067

A telephone replay will be available two hours after the conclusion of the conference call through December 3, 2025. The dial-in details are:

International: 1-412-317-0088
United States: 1-855-669-9658
Passcode: 2149536

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at https://ir.gaotu.cn/home.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company’s ability to continue to attract students to enroll in its courses; the Company’s ability to continue to recruit, train and retain qualified teachers; the Company’s ability to improve the content of its existing course offerings and to develop new courses; the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand; the Company’s ability to maintain and continue to improve its teaching results; and the Company’s ability to compete effectively against its competitors. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s reports filed with, or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About Gaotu Techedu Inc.

Gaotu is a leading technology-driven education company in China focused on enabling lifelong learning through AI-powered solutions that cultivate interest and drive continuous growth. The Company provides AI-powered, product-led learning solutions for learners from pre-school to adulthood. By combining rare, high-caliber teaching resources with AI-enhanced tools and content, Gaotu creates engaging and effective learning experiences delivered through both online and offline channels. AI and data analytics permeate throughout the Company’s operations to adapt content and teaching methods to individual learner needs, enhance efficiency and drive sustained learning progress.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company uses gross billings, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP net income (loss), each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes.

The Company defines gross billings for a specific period as the total amount of cash received for the sale of course offerings in such period, net of the total amount of refunds in such period. The Company’s management uses gross billings as a performance measurement because the Company generally bills its students for the entire course fee at the time of sale of its course offerings and recognizes revenue proportionally as the classes are delivered. For some courses, the Company continues to provide students with 12 months to 36 months access to the pre-recorded audio-video courses after the online live courses are delivered. The Company believes that gross billings provides valuable insight into the sales of its course packages and the performance of its business. As gross billings have material limitations as an analytical metrics and may not be calculated in the same manner by all companies, it may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP income (loss) from operations and non-GAAP net income (loss) exclude share-based compensation expenses. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to the Company’s historical performance. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charges that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the Company’s business.

The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned “Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures” set forth at the end of this release.

The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Exchange Rate

The Company’s business is primarily conducted in China and a significant majority of revenues generated are denominated in Renminbi (“RMB”). This announcement contains currency conversions of RMB amounts into U.S. dollars (“USD”) solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to USD are made at a rate of RMB7.1190 to USD1.0000, the effective noon buying rate for September 30, 2025 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into USD at that rate on September 30, 2025, or at any other rate.

For further information, please contact:

Gaotu Techedu Inc.
Investor Relations
E-mail: ir@gaotu.cn

Piacente Financial Communications
Brandi Piacente
Tel: +1 212 481-2050
Jenny Cai
Tel: +86 10 6508-0677
E-mail: Gaotu@tpg-ir.com

– In a Phase 3 clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of sparsentan in Japanese patients with IgA nephropathy (N=35), the percent change from baseline in the 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at Week 36, which was the study’s primary endpoint, was -58.54%. Sparsentan was well-tolerated with a profile consistent with other global trials and no new safety risks specific to Japanese patients were observed.

– Based on the results of this study, Renalys Pharma plans to submit a New Drug Application for sparsentan in Japan in 2026.

TOKYO, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Renalys Pharma, Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; “Renalys”) today announced positive topline results from its Phase III clinical study of sparsentan (development code: RE-021), an orally administered dual endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist (DEARA), in Japanese patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Based on these results, the company plans to submit a New Drug Application in Japan in 2026.

The primary endpoint of the study assessed the percent change from baseline in the 24-hour urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) after 36 weeks of oral administration of sparsentan in Japanese IgAN patients (N=35). The least-squares geometric mean percent change (95% CI) was –58.54% (–68.75%, –45.00%), confirming the efficacy of sparsentan in this patient population. Sparsentan was well-tolerated in the study with a safety profile consistent with other global trials and no new safety risks specific to Japanese patients were observed.

BT Slingsby, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Renalys, commented:

“In Japan, treatment options for IgAN remain limited, and unmet medical needs are extremely high. Sparsentan has already been approved in the United States and Europe, and from the perspective of addressing the drug lag, it is imperative that we deliver this therapy to Japanese patients who need it as soon as possible.”

Ryutaro Shimazaki, Chief Development Officer of Renalys, commented:

“This Phase III study in Japan was able to be conducted as a small-scale bridging study following extensive discussions with the PMDA, enabling the use of data from large-scale overseas clinical trials. The study included both adult and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older, and strong reductions in proteinuria consistent with international trial results were observed across all age groups. We extend our deepest gratitude to the patients, investigators, and all those involved in conducting this study.”

Naoki Kashihara, MD, PhD, President of Japan Kidney Association, commented:

“For rare kidney diseases such as IgAN, progress in developing effective therapies had long been limited. It is encouraging to see accelerated drug development in this field. Sparsentan has demonstrated strong proteinuria-lowering effects and a favorable safety profile, as shown in both large global clinical trials and this clinical study in Japanese patients. Furthermore, sparsentan is expected to have potential not only for rare kidney diseases such as FSGS and Alport syndrome but also more broadly for chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is one of the unique advantages of this therapy. Prior to this clinical study in Japanese patients, the Japanese Society of Nephrology used its large patient database to clarify the relationship between proteinuria and renal outcomes in Japanese patients with IgAN. ¹ We will continue working with related academic societies and contribute to evaluating appropriate clinical endpoints, including in international initiatives.”

About sparsentan

Sparsentan is an oral dual endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist (DEARA) developed by Travere Therapeutics, Inc. (“Travere”).  Renalys has an exclusive license for development and commercialization of sparsentan in Japan and several Asian territories.  In 2024, Travere received full FDA approval in the U.S. for sparsentan (U.S. brand name: FILSPARI®) to slow kidney function decline in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk of disease progression*.  Full approval is based on positive long-term confirmatory results from the PROTECT Study demonstrating that FILSPARI® significantly slowed kidney function decline over two years compared to irbesartan.  In the PROTECT Study, the only head-to-head study in IgA nephropathy versus an active comparator, FILSPARI® demonstrated a significant reduction in proteinuria, preservation of kidney function and a well-tolerated safety profile compared with active control irbesartan.  In Europe, FILSPARI® received standard EU approval for the IgA nephropathy indication in 2025.  In 2025, the FDA accepted for review Travere’s supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for FILSPARI® for the treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

*FILSPARI® (sparsentan) U.S. Indication:

FILSPARI is an endothelin and angiotensin II receptor antagonist indicated to slow kidney function decline in adults with primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) who are at risk of disease progression.

About IgA Nephropathy

The management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has become a social issue that places a heavy burden on the Japanese healthcare system.  IgA nephropathy is widely known as one of the main causes of kidney failure and is considered to develop when abnormal IgA proteins are deposited in kidney tissue, inhibiting kidney function and causing inflammation.  IgA nephropathy is a rare intractable disease (designated as an intractable disease 66) with many unresolved mechanisms of onset and severity.  Currently, there is significant unmet need for approved treatment for IgA nephropathy in Japan.

About Renalys Pharma, Inc.

Renalys Pharma, a privately held late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company based in Japan, is committed to the development of innovative therapeutics targeting unmet needs in the management of renal disease for Japanese and Asian patients.  Founded by Catalys Pacific and SR One, the company aims to address the growing “drug loss” in the region by catalyzing access to new treatments for kidney disease patients.

Company Name: Renalys Pharma, Inc.
Address: 3-11, Nihonbashi-honcho 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Representative: BT Slingsby, MD, PhD, MPH
URL: https://renalys.com/

[Disclaimer]

Information concerning pharmaceutical products (compound under development) contained herein is not intended as advertising or as medical advice, but intended for disclosure of management information.

Renalys Pharma is scheduled to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. on November 27, 2025.

For details, please refer to the following press release:
“Notice Regarding the Absorption-type Merger of Renalys Pharma, Inc. as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary”
https://www.chugai-pharm.co.jp/news/detail/20251118173000_1531.html 

Reference

1. Proteinuria reduction as a surrogate endpoint for clinical study of IgA nephropathy in Japanese patients: data from the J-CKD-DB-Ex.
   Naoki Kashihara. Clin Exp Nephrol. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.1007/s10157-025-02788-4.

HIMEJI, Japan, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch an immersive art event at Himeji Castle, a World Cultural Heritage site designated by the Japanese government as a national treasure, starting November 22. It will also introduce three other events taking place in Himeji City during the winter season.

Himeji City, located in the southwest of Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, is a city of history and culture that has developed around Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site and national treasure. Also known as “White Egret Castle,” its beautiful appearance has made it one of Japan’s most famous tourist attractions, drawing many visitors from both within Japan and abroad. While retaining the atmosphere of a castle town, the city also has modern urban functions, offering a wide range of attractions to visitors.

With its diverse tourist resources, Himeji is a popular city for a wide range of people, from history buffs to family travelers and couples on dates. With a fusion of history, culture, nature and modern charm, Himeji is loved by many as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Kansai region.

1. Himeji Castle Light-up Event “DANDELION Himeji Castle x NAKED, INC.”
This year’s theme will be “Peace,” featuring light art installations. Naked INC. is planning and directing the event, offering visitors an “art experience that connects hearts wishing for peace” that transcends generations and borders. This year, admission is free for those under 18, allowing as many people as possible to experience the event.

Image1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108908/202511209530/_prw_PI6fl_8IuZoa2X.png 

Event period: Saturday, November 22, to Thursday, December 11, 2025
*Open every day during the event (will be held in case of rain, but may be canceled in case of severe weather)
*In the unlikely event of cancellation, the organizer will announce it on the official website.
*The content may be changed without notice due to circumstances.
Event hours: 17:45-21:15 (entry until 21:00)
Admission fee
-Regular ticket: 18 years and up: 1,000 yen (advance tickets and set tickets are also available)
-High school students and younger, and those with a disability certificate (including one caregiver): Free
Organizer: Himeji Convention & Visitors Bureau (co-organized by Himeji City)
Official website (for contact): http://himeji-castle-dandelion.art 

2. Himeji Otemae Street Illumination
Under the supervision of Mikiko Ishii, the illuminations will be themed around “Atara Yo” (a night so beautiful that it’s a shame to see it end), and will feature approximately 250,000 full-color LEDs, with colors and movements changing with the hour. The illuminations will also be coordinated with the colorful cloud illuminations of Himeji Castle, creating a unified effect. Special color displays will be available during Christmas, New Year, and other periods.

In addition to setting up the popular “photo spot in front of the station inspired by a white heron,” there will also be a photogenic spot set up using the shutters and walls of Otemae Street as a canvas, creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including couples, women and families.

At the Karo Yashiki Ruins Park, in addition to the full-color LEDs installed last year to light up the trees and the light effects that change in response to people’s movements, new lantern objects will be installed to create an even more attractive space.

Image2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108908/202511209530/_prw_PI3fl_695y9FuX.png 

Event period: Saturday, November 22, 2025, to Sunday, February 22, 2026
Event hours: 17:00-22:00 (until midnight on public holidays)
Location: Otemae Street (from Himeji Station to Himeji Castle), Otemae Park and part of the former Karo Yashiki Park
Official website: https://www.himeji-kanko.jp/illumination/ 

3. Station Square Illumination
The illuminations will be used to create a spatial effect, centered around Himeji Station, and will brighten up the area in front of the station in winter. In the main venue, the grassy square in front of the station, a Christmas atmosphere will be created through sound effects and performances linked to the actions of participants.

Image3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108908/202511209530/_prw_PI7fl_0SZepJZ0.png 

Event period: Saturday, November 22, to Sunday, December 28, 2025
Event hours: 17:00-22:00
Location: North of Himeji Station (north of Piole 1)

4. Christmas market
The organizer will be developing a market where visitors can enjoy delicious food and miscellaneous goods, reminiscent of authentic Christmas markets in Europe (such as Belgium), creating a bustling atmosphere filled with the feeling of the season. At the Otemae Park venue, a Christmas-themed market will be set up with a big arch measuring 3 meters in height and 5 meters in width, a Christmas tree, and more. Stores will also be decorated with garlands and will sell Christmas-themed foods and drinks (hot food, drinks, sweets, etc.) and miscellaneous goods, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that will make visitors feel like they’ve visited an authentic European Christmas market.

Image4: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108908/202511209530/_prw_PI5fl_2tmdi7e8.png 

Event period:
16:00-21:00, Friday, December 19, 2025
11:00-21:00, Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21
Location: Otemae Park , North of Himeji Station (north of Piole 1)
Price: Free admission (payment required at each store)
Number of stores:
-Otemae Park: about 18 stores
-North of Himeji Station: about 8 stores
Official website: https://www.jrw-urban.co.jp/piole-himeji/lp/illumination2025/