Yichang Evergrande Hotel-Tourism news

TOKYO SKYTREE to Host First Collaboration with "BLUE LOCK" from April 9 to July 6, 2026

TOKYO, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TOBU TOWER SKYTREE Co., Ltd., operator of TOKYO SKYTREE, is holding "BLUE LOCK EPISODE SKY in TOKYO SKYTREE (R)," in the first collaboration between the tower and a popular TV anime featuring soccer, "BLUE LOCK," written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. The event will be held from Thursday, April 9, to Monday, July 6, 2026. Image of key visual: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M108036/202603266385/_prw_PI2fl_BzC3TLKp.jpg Special website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/event/special/bluelock/ The 450-meter-high Tembo Galleria has an exhibition featuring the event's key visuals. Limited-edition goods that are only available at the event and special cafe menu items are offered on this floor. In addition, an event-exclusive photo shoot service is available to those who want a picture of themselves with "BLUE LOCK" characters. On the 350-meter-high Tembo Deck, exclusive videos are screened on the windows converted into a giant screen of SKYTREE ROUND THEATER. Also taking place during the evening, the exterior of the tower will have special "BLUE LOCK"-themed lighting inspired by various characters from the anime. Moreover, special admission tickets to observation decks with a novelty card featuring an event-exclusive key visual are available. These limited tickets come with access to Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria, as well as a novelty card with an illustration exclusive to the event. TOBU TOWER SKYTREE hopes that those who come to Japan will visit and enjoy TOKYO SKYTREE on the occasion of the event. About TOKYO SKYTREEThe 634-meter-high TOKYO SKYTREE is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower. It has two observation decks, the Tembo Deck, 350 meters high, and the Tembo Galleria, 450 meters high, commanding a spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo. At night, TOKYO SKYTREE is colorfully lit up in three lighting styles -- "Iki," characterized by a pale blue, "Miyabi," featuring Edo purple, and the "Nobori" auspicious tangerine hue. Special lighting can be seen during seasonal and other events. For more information, please visit the official website and social media accounts:Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyoskytree_global/ X: https://twitter.com/skytreeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOKYOSKYTREE.official/ Copyright notice:(C) Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, KODANSHA/BLUE LOCK Production Committee(C) TOKYO-SKYTREE

2026-04-01

Orange Lion Sports Ushers in Sports Industry's "Agent Era" with Debut of AI Event Operations Assistant

New AI-driven platform empowers users to launch and manage professional competitions with a single natural language prompt SHANGHAI, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Lion Sports(previously known as Alibaba Sports), a global leader in digital sports services, has unveiled the industry's first AI-powered event ops assistant within its Smartshot intelligent solution suite. Powered by the Qwen 3.5 model, the assistant leverages generative AI to achieve "one-sentence event hosting," automating complex tournament setups from natural-language prompts. This innovation addresses critical industry bottlenecks—such as high entry barriers and cumbersome manual workflows—triggering a pivotal "Agent Moment" for sports operations where intelligent systems manage end-to-end administrative logistics. At the core is a virtual tournament director tool designed to eliminate reliance on manual forms and fragmented backend systems. The new AI Tournament Assistant interprets conversational instructions with precision; users can simply input a natural-language request—such as "set up a junior tennis tournament for 200 players, using ATP rules, with U10 through U14 divisions"—or upload a PDF rulebook. Through an interactive dialogue, the assistant clarifies key details and generates a comprehensive tournament framework within minutes, including match schedules, registration portals, and scoring protocols. This prompt-based workflow compresses days of administrative labor into minutes, drastically reducing the resources required to launch an event. The assistant also creates an end-to-end management system spanning the entire event lifecycle. Organizers can oversee registration, scheduling, and data archiving from a single dashboard. The company's computer vision system using multiple camera feeds is integrated with the AI assistant, allowing real-time data, including scores and player movement, to be captured and ingested into the platform. As the official digital partner of the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA), Orange Lion Sports has synchronized the platform with the association's national database. Tournament results affecting player rankings are automatically verified and synced, making updated standings available immediately following the final match. Additionally, the platform leverages generative AI to automatically produce event highlight reels, driving digital visibility and audience engagement. To date, Smartshot has been deployed across more than 120 courts throughout China, serving over 10 million users. The company plans to evolve the system into a fully autonomous AI agent by 2026. With the launch of the AI event operations Assistant, Orange Lion Sports is pivoting the industry beyond digital record-keeping toward AI-driven event generation, providing a highly efficient platform that supports China's national fitness initiatives.

2026-04-01

Orange Lion Sports Ushers in Sports Industry's "Agent Era" with Debut of AI Event Operations Assistant

New AI-driven platform empowers users to launch and manage professional competitions with a single natural language prompt SHANGHAI, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange Lion Sports(previously known as Alibaba Sports), a global leader in digital sports services, has unveiled the industry's first AI-powered event ops assistant within its Smartshot intelligent solution suite. Powered by the Qwen 3.5 model, the assistant leverages generative AI to achieve "one-sentence event hosting," automating complex tournament setups from natural-language prompts. This innovation addresses critical industry bottlenecks—such as high entry barriers and cumbersome manual workflows—triggering a pivotal "Agent Moment" for sports operations where intelligent systems manage end-to-end administrative logistics. At the core is a virtual tournament director tool designed to eliminate reliance on manual forms and fragmented backend systems. The new AI Tournament Assistant interprets conversational instructions with precision; users can simply input a natural-language request—such as "set up a junior tennis tournament for 200 players, using ATP rules, with U10 through U14 divisions"—or upload a PDF rulebook. Through an interactive dialogue, the assistant clarifies key details and generates a comprehensive tournament framework within minutes, including match schedules, registration portals, and scoring protocols. This prompt-based workflow compresses days of administrative labor into minutes, drastically reducing the resources required to launch an event. The assistant also creates an end-to-end management system spanning the entire event lifecycle. Organizers can oversee registration, scheduling, and data archiving from a single dashboard. The company's computer vision system using multiple camera feeds is integrated with the AI assistant, allowing real-time data, including scores and player movement, to be captured and ingested into the platform. As the official digital partner of the Chinese Tennis Association (CTA), Orange Lion Sports has synchronized the platform with the association's national database. Tournament results affecting player rankings are automatically verified and synced, making updated standings available immediately following the final match. Additionally, the platform leverages generative AI to automatically produce event highlight reels, driving digital visibility and audience engagement. To date, Smartshot has been deployed across more than 120 courts throughout China, serving over 10 million users. The company plans to evolve the system into a fully autonomous AI agent by 2026. With the launch of the AI event operations Assistant, Orange Lion Sports is pivoting the industry beyond digital record-keeping toward AI-driven event generation, providing a highly efficient platform that supports China's national fitness initiatives.

2026-04-01

1664 and Robert Pattinson Turn Good Taste Into the Cultural Debate of the Moment

From red carpet to avant-garde, 1664's Global Brand Ambassador, Robert Pattinson invites the world to examine Good Taste New global research from 1664 reveals 83% believe they have good taste, yet only 31% agree on what it actually means - revealing a cultural contradiction at the heart of modern taste. Robert Pattinson brings this modern taste debate to life in a cinematic Paris-set film, taking on three contrasting characters LONDON, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Good taste is one of the most personal and most publicly debated concepts of our time. 1664 and Robert Pattinson Turn Good Taste Into the Cultural Debate of the Moment New global research from premium French beer brand 1664 reveals a defining contradiction at the heart of modern culture: while a majority believe they have good taste, very few agree on what it actually means. 1664 and Robert Pattinson are turning that cultural tension into a bold statement - Robert embodies the paradox of modern taste in a cinematic short film that explores identity, individuality and the confidence to stand by your own point of view. From red carpets to independent cinema, Robert Pattinson has long navigated the space between mainstream and avant-garde, making him a natural ambassador for a platform built around the subjectivity and self-expression of Good Taste. White Paper: A Question of Good Taste 1664's research paper 'A Question of Good Taste', conducted across Asia, Europe and North America, suggests that while people feel strongly about their own taste, there is little agreement on what "good taste" actually means - highlighting a growing cultural tension around identity and self-expression. 83% say they have good taste 87% say good taste reflects who they are Yet only 31% agree on what it actually means At the same time, the paper reveals a growing hesitation around sharing opinions publicly. With the rise of online debate and "cancel culture", many feel expressing their views can be risky — despite 77% believing society would be better if people were open and honest about what they think. From music and fashion to art and interiors, taste has become one of the most visible expressions of who we are and that's where the tension lives. Rather than resolve the debate, 1664 invites the world to own every perspective of Good Taste. Robert Pattinson In Three Acts Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brady Corbet - director of the Oscar-winning epic The Brutalist (Golden Globe and BAFTA award for Best Director), as well as Vox Lux and The Childhood of a Leader -, the short film sees Robert Pattinson take on three sharply contrasting personas: A modern minimalist character An avant-garde artist An eccentric older 'dandy' Each is utterly convinced they represent the pinnacle of good taste. As their worlds collide inside a Parisian apartment building, opinions clash - on music, art, interiors and aesthetics. But amid the debate, one shared truth quietly emerges: 1664 is Unquestionably Good Taste. Set in Paris, home to the brand's iconic French identity, the film blends cinema with subtle humour and cultural debate - placing Robert at the heart of a wider conversation about individuality and expression. The film premieres globally on 1 April 2026. Robert Pattinson says: "What really drew me to 1664 was the refreshing, strong sense of style and humour. I enjoyed playing characters with completely different identities and points of view, each convinced they're right. Taste is such a personal thing - everyone thinks they've cracked it. The fun of the film is watching that certainty unravel and explore how subjective Good Taste really is." "We're delighted to have explored how Good Taste is one of culture's most debated concepts with Robert Pattinson. What interested us in this process was not whether people agree, but how strongly they hold their own perspective," says Seva Nikolaev, Global Vice-President for Premium Brands at Carlsberg, "1664 isn't here to define taste, but to celebrate the confidence to stand by it. Good taste doesn't need consensus — it demands conviction." The film and research were unveiled and celebrated with members of the global creative communities of fashion, art, design and culture in London at an exclusive event. Link to visual assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JdmpKWnHX4L6v819uvmsUriF6VFuGtfb?usp=sharing About 1664 Blanc Blue in bottle and iconic in flavour. 1664 Blanc is a light and refreshing premium bière française with a hint of citrus and a delicate touch of spice. Perfect for moments with friends. To find out more, please visit @1664blanc. *The 1664 Global research combines 16 in-depth interviews with large-scale quantitative survey data across 7 markets [Canada, Germany, Denmark, Vietnam, China, Ukraine, UK].

2026-04-01

1664 and Robert Pattinson Turn Good Taste Into the Cultural Debate of the Moment

From red carpet to avant-garde, 1664's Global Brand Ambassador, Robert Pattinson invites the world to examine Good Taste New global research from 1664 reveals 83% believe they have good taste, yet only 31% agree on what it actually means - revealing a cultural contradiction at the heart of modern taste. Robert Pattinson brings this modern taste debate to life in a cinematic Paris-set film, taking on three contrasting characters LONDON, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Good taste is one of the most personal and most publicly debated concepts of our time. 1664 and Robert Pattinson Turn Good Taste Into the Cultural Debate of the Moment New global research from premium French beer brand 1664 reveals a defining contradiction at the heart of modern culture: while a majority believe they have good taste, very few agree on what it actually means. 1664 and Robert Pattinson are turning that cultural tension into a bold statement - Robert embodies the paradox of modern taste in a cinematic short film that explores identity, individuality and the confidence to stand by your own point of view. From red carpets to independent cinema, Robert Pattinson has long navigated the space between mainstream and avant-garde, making him a natural ambassador for a platform built around the subjectivity and self-expression of Good Taste. White Paper: A Question of Good Taste 1664's research paper 'A Question of Good Taste', conducted across Asia, Europe and North America, suggests that while people feel strongly about their own taste, there is little agreement on what "good taste" actually means - highlighting a growing cultural tension around identity and self-expression. 83% say they have good taste 87% say good taste reflects who they are Yet only 31% agree on what it actually means At the same time, the paper reveals a growing hesitation around sharing opinions publicly. With the rise of online debate and "cancel culture", many feel expressing their views can be risky — despite 77% believing society would be better if people were open and honest about what they think. From music and fashion to art and interiors, taste has become one of the most visible expressions of who we are and that's where the tension lives. Rather than resolve the debate, 1664 invites the world to own every perspective of Good Taste. Robert Pattinson In Three Acts Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Brady Corbet - director of the Oscar-winning epic The Brutalist (Golden Globe and BAFTA award for Best Director), as well as Vox Lux and The Childhood of a Leader -, the short film sees Robert Pattinson take on three sharply contrasting personas: A modern minimalist character An avant-garde artist An eccentric older 'dandy' Each is utterly convinced they represent the pinnacle of good taste. As their worlds collide inside a Parisian apartment building, opinions clash - on music, art, interiors and aesthetics. But amid the debate, one shared truth quietly emerges: 1664 is Unquestionably Good Taste. Set in Paris, home to the brand's iconic French identity, the film blends cinema with subtle humour and cultural debate - placing Robert at the heart of a wider conversation about individuality and expression. The film premieres globally on 1 April 2026. Robert Pattinson says: "What really drew me to 1664 was the refreshing, strong sense of style and humour. I enjoyed playing characters with completely different identities and points of view, each convinced they're right. Taste is such a personal thing - everyone thinks they've cracked it. The fun of the film is watching that certainty unravel and explore how subjective Good Taste really is." "We're delighted to have explored how Good Taste is one of culture's most debated concepts with Robert Pattinson. What interested us in this process was not whether people agree, but how strongly they hold their own perspective," says Seva Nikolaev, Global Vice-President for Premium Brands at Carlsberg, "1664 isn't here to define taste, but to celebrate the confidence to stand by it. Good taste doesn't need consensus — it demands conviction." The film and research were unveiled and celebrated with members of the global creative communities of fashion, art, design and culture in London at an exclusive event. Link to visual assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JdmpKWnHX4L6v819uvmsUriF6VFuGtfb?usp=sharing About 1664 Blanc Blue in bottle and iconic in flavour. 1664 Blanc is a light and refreshing premium bière française with a hint of citrus and a delicate touch of spice. Perfect for moments with friends. To find out more, please visit @1664blanc. *The 1664 Global research combines 16 in-depth interviews with large-scale quantitative survey data across 7 markets [Canada, Germany, Denmark, Vietnam, China, Ukraine, UK].

2026-04-01

NSSK Closes Series IV Funds at JPY 250 Billion Hardcap, More Than 2x Oversubscribed

Fund substantially allocated within four months of launch; Thrive Alternatives served as exclusive advisor SINGAPORE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK), a leading Japan-focused private equity firm, today announced the final close of NSSK Series IV Funds with aggregate commitments totaling JPY 250 billion (approximately USD 1.7 billion) at the hard cap. The NSSK Series IV Funds were more than 2x oversubscribed, drawing strong demand from a broad global and Japanese investor base spanning sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers. The fundraise was substantially allocated within four months of launch, underscoring the conviction of the global investor community in NSSK's differentiated approach to value creation in the Japanese mid-market. Thrive Alternatives acted as the exclusive advisor to NSSK in connection with the NSSK Series IV fundraise. The funds will continue NSSK's control-oriented buyout strategy in the Japanese middle market, targeting businesses with strong cash flow, leading niche market positions, and resilience across economic cycles. The firm emphasizes proprietary sourcing, particularly in under-penetrated regional markets and business succession situations in both private and public companies, leveraging its local network to access opportunities with limited competition. Value creation is driven through NSSK's proprietary NVP® framework, combining organic growth initiatives with an increasing focus on buy-and-build strategies to build scale and drive efficiencies. "The response from investors to NSSK Series IV Funds has been exceptional and reflects the strength of the platform we have built over the past decade and the herculean market leading performance of our management and employee partners. Japan's private equity market continues to offer a compelling and opportunity set, and we are well positioned to deliver differentiated returns for our limited partners. We are grateful for the trust our investors have placed in us and look forward to putting this capital to work." — Jun Tsusaka, CEO and CIO, Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) "The oversubscription and speed of the NSSK Series IV Funds close are a testament to what NSSK has built. Investors recognized both the quality of the team and the structural tailwinds in the Japanese private equity market. It was a privilege for Thrive to support NSSK on this milestone raise, and we look forward to continuing our partnership." — Robin Tyrangiel, Co-Founder, Thrive Alternatives The close of the Series IV funds positions NSSK among the largest independent private equity franchises focused on the Japanese market. The firm will continue to target investments in companies where its operational expertise and network can drive measurable value creation. About NSSK Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) is a Tokyo-based private equity firm established in 2014, focused exclusively on the Japanese mid-market. NSSK pursues control-oriented investments across business succession, carve-outs, management buyouts, and special situations, targeting market-leading niche businesses with strong cash flow and resilience. The firm partners closely with management teams to drive transformation from good to great through its proprietary, systematic value creation framework NVP®, combining operational improvement with selective buy-and-build strategies. NSSK has been named Private Equity Firm of the Year in Japan by Private Equity International five times, and Mid-Market Firm of the Year in Asia in 2023. The firm manages capital on behalf of both global and Japanese investors including sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers. About Thrive Alternatives Thrive Alternatives is a global, tech-enabled private markets advisory firm that partners with leading alternative investment managers to raise institutional capital. Headquartered in Singapore with presence in all major Asian markets, Europe and the U.S., Thrive Alternatives provides strategic fundraising advice, investor access, and transaction support across private equity, private credit and real assets. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep industry networks, and cross-border expertise, Thrive Alternatives helps clients navigate the complexities of global private capital markets and access institutional investors worldwide.

2026-04-01

NSSK Closes Series IV Funds at JPY 250 Billion Hardcap, More Than 2x Oversubscribed

Fund substantially allocated within four months of launch; Thrive Alternatives served as exclusive advisor SINGAPORE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK), a leading Japan-focused private equity firm, today announced the final close of NSSK Series IV Funds with aggregate commitments totaling JPY 250 billion (approximately USD 1.7 billion) at the hard cap. The NSSK Series IV Funds were more than 2x oversubscribed, drawing strong demand from a broad global and Japanese investor base spanning sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers. The fundraise was substantially allocated within four months of launch, underscoring the conviction of the global investor community in NSSK's differentiated approach to value creation in the Japanese mid-market. Thrive Alternatives acted as the exclusive advisor to NSSK in connection with the NSSK Series IV fundraise. The funds will continue NSSK's control-oriented buyout strategy in the Japanese middle market, targeting businesses with strong cash flow, leading niche market positions, and resilience across economic cycles. The firm emphasizes proprietary sourcing, particularly in under-penetrated regional markets and business succession situations in both private and public companies, leveraging its local network to access opportunities with limited competition. Value creation is driven through NSSK's proprietary NVP® framework, combining organic growth initiatives with an increasing focus on buy-and-build strategies to build scale and drive efficiencies. "The response from investors to NSSK Series IV Funds has been exceptional and reflects the strength of the platform we have built over the past decade and the herculean market leading performance of our management and employee partners. Japan's private equity market continues to offer a compelling and opportunity set, and we are well positioned to deliver differentiated returns for our limited partners. We are grateful for the trust our investors have placed in us and look forward to putting this capital to work." — Jun Tsusaka, CEO and CIO, Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) "The oversubscription and speed of the NSSK Series IV Funds close are a testament to what NSSK has built. Investors recognized both the quality of the team and the structural tailwinds in the Japanese private equity market. It was a privilege for Thrive to support NSSK on this milestone raise, and we look forward to continuing our partnership." — Robin Tyrangiel, Co-Founder, Thrive Alternatives The close of the Series IV funds positions NSSK among the largest independent private equity franchises focused on the Japanese market. The firm will continue to target investments in companies where its operational expertise and network can drive measurable value creation. About NSSK Nippon Sangyo Suishin Kiko (NSSK) is a Tokyo-based private equity firm established in 2014, focused exclusively on the Japanese mid-market. NSSK pursues control-oriented investments across business succession, carve-outs, management buyouts, and special situations, targeting market-leading niche businesses with strong cash flow and resilience. The firm partners closely with management teams to drive transformation from good to great through its proprietary, systematic value creation framework NVP®, combining operational improvement with selective buy-and-build strategies. NSSK has been named Private Equity Firm of the Year in Japan by Private Equity International five times, and Mid-Market Firm of the Year in Asia in 2023. The firm manages capital on behalf of both global and Japanese investors including sovereign wealth funds, public and private pension funds, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, family offices, and asset managers. About Thrive Alternatives Thrive Alternatives is a global, tech-enabled private markets advisory firm that partners with leading alternative investment managers to raise institutional capital. Headquartered in Singapore with presence in all major Asian markets, Europe and the U.S., Thrive Alternatives provides strategic fundraising advice, investor access, and transaction support across private equity, private credit and real assets. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep industry networks, and cross-border expertise, Thrive Alternatives helps clients navigate the complexities of global private capital markets and access institutional investors worldwide.

2026-04-01

Built for Ultimate Touch Experience: Goodix Unveils Next‑Gen Flexible OLED Touch Controller GT9926

SHENZHEN, China, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodix Technology today announced the launch of its next‑generation flexible OLED touch screen controller, the GT9926, making its commercial debut in the OPPO K15 Pro+ gaming smartphone. Designed for the latest generation of ultra‑thin, high‑performance flexible OLED displays, the GT9926 delivers comprehensive enhancements to address industry challenges such as high system loads and severe display interference, enabling more stable, responsive, and ultra‑smooth touch performance for mobile gaming and other demanding usage scenarios. &amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Touch Innovations for an Upgraded Experience Higher SNR, Lower Latency: The GT9926 self‑capacitance sensing adopts a new hardware noise suppression architecture, improving the signal to noise ratio (SNR) by 100% compared with the previous generation. This enables exceptional touch sensitivity and accuracy even in high‑noise environments. An optimized mutual‑capacitance analog front end (AFE) further enhances SNR and overall stability, while significantly reducing touch latency. Even in extremely cold conditions, the controller supports stable touch operation when users are wearing gloves. Better Display Compatibility: The GT9926 also features a new waveform modulation technology, effectively reducing interference to display signals and flicker issue. It is compatible with the latest flexible OLED technologies, including Pol‑less displays and Tandem OLED panels, enabling flagship‑level display performance without compromising touch responsiveness. Optimized Performance for Mobile Gaming and Demanding Scenarios Millisecond‑Level Response for Gaming: Mobile gamers demand faster response and precision. Powered by a new high‑performance architecture, the GT9926 delivers high report rates and ultra‑low latency, enabling millisecond‑level responsiveness that allows players to execute actions faster with greater precision. Even during intense multi‑finger gameplay, sweaty‑hand scenarios, or while wearing gaming gloves, the touch response remains fast, stable, and highly responsive. Hardware–Software Synergy for Complex Conditions: Environmental factors such as rain, wet hands, and low temperatures have long posed challenges for touchscreen performance, often leading to false touches or unresponsive controls. Through coordinated optimization of hardware circuitry and customized algorithms, the GT9926 significantly improves water resistance and anti‑interference performance, ensuring reliable touch even with raindrops on the screen or wet hands. The GT9926 has now completed validation with mainstream Android smartphone brands and display panel makers. With strong recognition within the industry, the solution is set for large‑scale adoption in flagship and premium smartphones in 2026, bringing consumers an even smoother and more natural touch experience. YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/skA7efeqjos

2026-04-01

Built for Ultimate Touch Experience: Goodix Unveils Next‑Gen Flexible OLED Touch Controller GT9926

SHENZHEN, China, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodix Technology today announced the launch of its next‑generation flexible OLED touch screen controller, the GT9926, making its commercial debut in the OPPO K15 Pro+ gaming smartphone. Designed for the latest generation of ultra‑thin, high‑performance flexible OLED displays, the GT9926 delivers comprehensive enhancements to address industry challenges such as high system loads and severe display interference, enabling more stable, responsive, and ultra‑smooth touch performance for mobile gaming and other demanding usage scenarios. &amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Touch Innovations for an Upgraded Experience Higher SNR, Lower Latency: The GT9926 self‑capacitance sensing adopts a new hardware noise suppression architecture, improving the signal to noise ratio (SNR) by 100% compared with the previous generation. This enables exceptional touch sensitivity and accuracy even in high‑noise environments. An optimized mutual‑capacitance analog front end (AFE) further enhances SNR and overall stability, while significantly reducing touch latency. Even in extremely cold conditions, the controller supports stable touch operation when users are wearing gloves. Better Display Compatibility: The GT9926 also features a new waveform modulation technology, effectively reducing interference to display signals and flicker issue. It is compatible with the latest flexible OLED technologies, including Pol‑less displays and Tandem OLED panels, enabling flagship‑level display performance without compromising touch responsiveness. Optimized Performance for Mobile Gaming and Demanding Scenarios Millisecond‑Level Response for Gaming: Mobile gamers demand faster response and precision. Powered by a new high‑performance architecture, the GT9926 delivers high report rates and ultra‑low latency, enabling millisecond‑level responsiveness that allows players to execute actions faster with greater precision. Even during intense multi‑finger gameplay, sweaty‑hand scenarios, or while wearing gaming gloves, the touch response remains fast, stable, and highly responsive. Hardware–Software Synergy for Complex Conditions: Environmental factors such as rain, wet hands, and low temperatures have long posed challenges for touchscreen performance, often leading to false touches or unresponsive controls. Through coordinated optimization of hardware circuitry and customized algorithms, the GT9926 significantly improves water resistance and anti‑interference performance, ensuring reliable touch even with raindrops on the screen or wet hands. The GT9926 has now completed validation with mainstream Android smartphone brands and display panel makers. With strong recognition within the industry, the solution is set for large‑scale adoption in flagship and premium smartphones in 2026, bringing consumers an even smoother and more natural touch experience. YouTube video link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/skA7efeqjos

2026-04-01

Hyakumangoku Festival in Kanazawa: A Grand Procession Rooted in Samurai Legacy

KANAZAWA, Japan, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kanazawa Biyori, a regional media platform rooted in Hokuriku, is committed to sharing the living culture of this region with a broader audience — not only its celebrated landmarks, but the traditions that continue to define what it means to call this city home. The Hyakumangoku Festival is the beating heart of Kanazawa: magnificent, historic, and unmistakably alive. ©Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism Federation The Procession That Defines a City The Hyakumangoku Festival is held each June in commemoration of Lord Maeda Toshiie's triumphant entry into Kanazawa Castle on June 14, 1583 — the moment that laid the foundation of the Kaga Domain and shaped the city as we know it today. Now in its 75th edition, the festival runs from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, 2026, transforming the center of Kanazawa into a stage for one of Japan's most spectacular civic celebrations. At its heart is the Hyakumangoku Gyōretsu — a procession of breathtaking scale and pageantry that departs from the iconic Tsuzumimon Gate at Kanazawa Station and winds its way through the city to Kanazawa Castle Park. On Saturday, June 6, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., the streets of Kanazawa belong entirely to history brought to life. This Year's Highlight: Where Living Tradition Meets National Drama The defining draw of this year's festival is a convergence that happens once in a generation. Lord Maeda Toshiie will be portrayed by Daito Shunsuke, and his consort Omatsu-no-Kata by Sugai Yuka — both currently starring as Toshiie and Matsu in Toyotomi Kyodai!, the 2026 NHK Taiga Drama. For those unfamiliar with the format: the NHK Taiga Drama is Japan's most prestigious historical drama series, broadcast annually by the national public broadcaster since 1963. In Japan, historical figures are often remembered — and reimagined — through the lens of whoever portrayed them in a given year's Taiga. To see these actors step from the screen into the streets of Kanazawa, embodying the very figures who built this city, is an experience with few parallels. A Procession of Power and Craft The Gyōretsu is more than a parade — it is a living tableau of Kaga culture in motion. Music corps perform at three points along the route, filling the streets with sound and energy. The Kaga Tobi — the storied firefighters of the Edo-period domain — take to the street four times, their acrobatic ladder performances drawing gasps from the crowd. The thunderous Kaga Shishi lion dance, a designated cultural property of Kanazawa, moves through the procession with an energy that is as ancient as it is electric. This year, the procession once again incorporates the Kiriko float parade from Noto — a powerful gesture of solidarity with the region's ongoing recovery from the 2024 earthquake. The sight of Noto's lantern floats moving through the streets of Kanazawa carries a meaning that no words can fully capture. Three Days of Living Culture The festival extends well beyond the Gyōretsu. Across three days, a series of events deeply rooted in Kanazawa's cultural identity are planned. The Hyakumangoku Takigi Nō is set to bring Noh theater to life under the open sky, performed by firelight in the grounds of Kanazawa Castle Park — a hauntingly beautiful tradition. The Hyakumangoku Chakai tea ceremony will offer visitors a window into the refined world of Kaga's tea culture. And as night falls, the Hyakumangoku Odori Nagashi fills the streets with dance, open to all — no experience, no affiliation required. An Invitation Kanazawa Biyori shares this festival not simply as a seasonal event, but as a window into the soul of this city — a place where history is not preserved behind glass, but performed, danced, and lived each June. Whether you come to watch or to join, the Hyakumangoku Festival is Kanazawa at its fullest. Information The 75th Hyakumangoku Festival Dates: Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7, 2026 Main Event — Hyakumangoku Gyōretsu: Saturday, June 6, 2:00–6:00 p.m. Location: Central Kanazawa (departing from Tsuzumimon Gate, Kanazawa Station) Media ContactKanazawa Biyori Co., Ltd.Sunpia Izumigaoka 511, 255 Fushimishinmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0964, JapanEmail: info@kanazawabiyori.com ©Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism Federation

2026-04-01