Misato Ugaki Appointed as MC for 'BREAK TIMES' on Office Smoking Area Signage Media 'BREAK'

Cosodo Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Goro Yamashita) and News Technology Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Junki Miura), operators of the office smoking area signage media 'THE SMOKING ROOM VISION BREAK' (hereafter 'BREAK'), are pleased to announce the launch of 'BREAK TIMES,' an information program for break times, starting Monday, June 1, 2026. Free announcer and actress Misato Ugaki has been appointed as the program's MC. The program aims to provide business professionals working in offices with new discoveries and topics for conversation through informative content during their break times. Simultaneously, the sale of tie-up menus utilizing this program will also commence.

### Misato Ugaki Appointed as MC! Launch of Information Program 'BREAK TIMES'

'BREAK' is an audio-enabled digital signage media focused on the valuable 'micro-moments' of break time for business professionals working in urban centers. Since its launch in September 2021, the service is expected to expand to 448 facilities and 550 screens by the end of June 2026, reaching 6.4 million people monthly. Between 2024 and 2025, in addition to B2B products, advertisements from new sectors such as daily goods, health-related products, and entertainment increased. As a result, annual sales (January to December) grew 2.8 times, recording the highest revenue to date.

In recent years, the Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) industry has seen a trend toward 'programization,' moving beyond simple ad distribution to broadcasting original content like information programs. To improve the user viewing experience through content people want to watch repeatedly, 'BREAK' is launching 'BREAK TIMES.' This new initiative leverages News Technology's expertise in producing 'HEADLIGHT,' an information program for transit time currently shown in taxis.

Misato Ugaki, who is currently active in a wide range of fields including acting, radio personality work, and writing, has been appointed as the program MC. Her appointment was decided based on her experience as a former TBS announcer and her ability to deliver information from multifaceted perspectives, making her the perfect fit to provide a pleasant information experience during break times. In this program, during a few minutes of office respite, content themed around work, lifestyle, and the latest trends will bring new insights and awareness to business professionals. Tie-up menus utilizing this program will also be available for purchase.

**Program Official Accounts:**
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breaktimes_nt
- X: https://x.com/breaktimes_x

### Comment from Misato Ugaki

"I am Misato Ugaki, and I have been appointed as the MC for 'BREAK TIMES.' In our busy daily lives, I hope this program can accompany you during those precious moments of relaxation in the smoking room and help spark your next action. I hope everyone enjoys it."

**Profile:** Joined TBS as an announcer and went freelance in 2019. Currently active in dramas, radio, and writing. Recently starred in the TV drama 'Dekitemo, Dekinakutemo' and is set to appear in the 2026 drama/game 'AKIBA LOST.' She is also a partner on TBS Radio's 'After 6 Junction 2.'

### Media Overview: 'BREAK'

'BREAK' is a digital signage media installed in office buildings and shared facilities, primarily in Tokyo. The main users are business professionals in their 20s to 50s working in urban offices, including many in management and executive positions who are highly sensitive to information and involved in purchasing decisions. A key characteristic is the ability to repeatedly reach the same users due to the spatial nature of smoking areas, where users stay for an average of 6 minutes, about 5 times a day. Aiming for further growth as a media platform, the logo was refreshed in March 2026.