Summer Issue Special Feature: 'AI' – Sendai Business Media 'Sendai BIZ+' to be Published on Tuesday, July 7

Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co. (Head office: Aoba-ku, Sendai) will publish the summer 2026 issue of 'Sendai BIZ+ (Sendai Biz Plus)', a quarterly free paper for business professionals working in the Sendai area, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The theme of the special feature is 'Artificial Intelligence (AI)'. The issue will cover executive dialogues, corporate implementation cases, and practical usage methods in business settings, offering actionable insights for local companies to solve their challenges.

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'Why Can AI 'Save' Local Companies?'

The opening dialogue 'Dialog' features Tomohiro Takei, CEO of MAKOTO Prime (Sendai), who is involved in generative AI business as an entrepreneur and investor, and Erika Nakahara, CEO of Qtest (Sendai), who runs babysitting and housekeeping services. They will discuss 'Why can AI 'save' local companies?', exploring how AI can provide solutions to common issues faced by local enterprises such as labor shortages and skill transfer, and examine perspectives and practices for management.

In the double-page special 'Focus', the possibilities of AI utilization in companies are explored. A report covers the case of agricultural corporation Butai Farm (Sendai), which has developed an AI to predict lettuce growth conditions at the large-scale lettuce factory 'Misato Green Base' in Misato Town, Miyagi Prefecture. An easy-to-understand article with expert cooperation provides tips for business professionals to use AI in their work.

Learning from the Hit of 'Kikufuku': Business Strategy of a Long-Established Store

The project page 'Insight' delves into the success story of 'Kikufuku', a fresh cream daifuku (rice cake) produced by Ocha no Ikeda (Sendai), known as a Sendai souvenir. The article unravels the birth process, product development background, and meticulous marketing brand strategy, exploring the factors that led to nationwide popularity.

Additionally, a column 'Career Prescription' by Masahiko Fujimoto, Professor at Tohoku University Graduate School of Economics and Director of the Regional Innovation School, and 'Leader's Favorite Books', which introduces top executives' favorite books, along with other diverse content, will stimulate the intellectual curiosity of business professionals.

According to a reader survey of the inaugural issue (spring 2026), among 115 respondents, those in their 30s to 50s accounted for about 70%, and company employees (including executives) were the most common at 43%. Free comments included 'Information about work and money is very useful' and 'Overall, it was a satisfying read'.

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■ What is 'Sendai BIZ+'?

'Sendai BIZ+' is a free business media providing information from the perspective of business professionals working in Sendai, with the concept 'Add more to your daily work.' The main readership consists of working-age businesspeople commuting to offices in the Sendai metropolitan area. It delivers useful knowledge and career development tips in an easy-to-understand and practical format.

[Summer 2026 Issue Publication Overview]

Publication date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Format: Tabloid, full color

Pages: 12 pages

Circulation: Approximately 290,000 copies + about 3,000 corporate distribution (centered on Sendai area)

Distribution method: Insert in morning edition of Kahoku Shimpo (approx. 212,000 copies), mailing along Sendai subway lines (approx. 70,000 copies), placement at JR and Sendai subway station stands (8,000 copies), corporate distribution (approx. 3,000 copies)

■ Featured Articles in Summer 2026 Issue

● Opening Dialogue: 'Why Can AI 'Save' Local Companies?'

Featuring two executives who are utilizing AI in their businesses:

　Tomohiro Takei, CEO, MAKOTO Prime Co., Ltd.

　Erika Nakahara, CEO, Qtest Co., Ltd.

● Other Featured Projects

Project 'Insight': Learning from the Hit of 'Kikufuku': Brand Strategy of a Long-Established Store

Serial 'Career Prescription': Masahiko Fujimoto, Professor, Tohoku University Graduate School of Economics / Director of Regional Innovation School

Project 'Leader's Favorite Books': Yumi Takahashi, Tohoku Branch Manager, Fujitsu

Serial 'Money Studies for Working Adults': Maya Matsuda, Financial Planner

Serial 'Workplace Manual': Aya Hiraga, Social Insurance and Labor Consultant

■ Free Subscription Delivered Directly to Your Workplace

A free subscription service is available for companies in the Sendai area, with orders in units of 10 copies. Delivery will be made directly to your workplace.

Subscription fee: Permanently free

Shipping fee: Permanently free

Delivery: Four times a year (April, July, October, February)

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■ Contact

Kahoku Shimpo Publishing Co., Sales Bureau, Sales Department
TEL: 022-211-1318

Mail: s-biz@po.kahoku.co.jp

■ Company Profile

Company name: Kabushiki Kaisha Kahoku Shimpo Sha
Location: 1-2-28 Itsutsubashi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Business: Publication of daily newspaper 'Kahoku Shimpo', operation of news site 'Kahoku Shimpo Online', event planning, publishing, etc.
Company URL: https://www.kahoku.co.jp/
Kahoku Shimpo Online: https://kahoku.news/