Freelance Announcer Hikaru Shinohara Appointed as New MC for "HEADLIGHT," the Travel-Time Information Program Aired in Taxis! Starting a New Structure with Kasumi Mori

News Technology Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Junki Miura; hereinafter "News Technology"), which operates "THE TOKYO TAXI VISION GROWTH" (hereinafter "GROWTH"), one of the largest taxi signage media in Tokyo*1, is pleased to announce that freelance announcer Hikaru Shinohara has been appointed as the new MC for "HEADLIGHT," an information program for travel time currently airing in 11,500 taxis across Tokyo in partnership with "GROWTH." Under the concept of "Inspiration, one step ahead," the program will launch its new structure featuring Hikaru Shinohara and Kasumi Mori on Monday, April 6, 2026.

*1 Our taxi signage network is installed in 11,500 vehicles within the Tokyo Special Wards and Musashino/Mitaka traffic zones. This represents a coverage rate of approximately 42% of the 26,983 corporate taxis in these zones (as of the end of March 2023, according to the Kanto District Transport Bureau).

"HEADLIGHT" is an information program for travel time aired on the "GROWTH" taxi signage media in 11,500 taxis in Tokyo. Since its renewal last year, the program has operated under the concept of "Inspiration, one step ahead," serving as a source of new insights and tips for business professionals both on and off the clock. Covering a wide range of themes from the latest corporate news to trending information, the program has featured over 500 companies in total since its inception.

With the start of the new fiscal year, the program is transitioning to a new structure. Kasumi Mori will continue to appear as an MC, while Kenjiro Yamashita will graduate from the program as of March 2026. Freelance announcer Hikaru Shinohara will join as the new MC, and the program will be delivered under this new partnership with Kasumi Mori.

Moving forward, we will continue to develop the program as a source of new insights and conversation starters for business professionals during their commute, staying true to our concept of "Inspiration, one step ahead."

【Comments from the MCs regarding the program】

▪️Comment from Hikaru Shinohara I am honored to be appointed as the new MC for "HEADLIGHT." I am freelance announcer Hikaru Shinohara. Having worked as a corporate employee in the past, the time I spend traveling by taxi is still a precious time for me to think about my next job or business meeting. I hope to deliver a program that allows viewers to encounter new information or feel refreshed during those travel times through the signage. Because I have been a viewer of the program as a taxi user myself, I want to provide useful information while staying close to the perspective of those riding in the taxis.

▪️Comment from Kasumi Mori I am honored to be involved with "HEADLIGHT" for a third year as an MC. I have often been approached by people who have seen the program in taxis saying, "I watch your show," and I truly feel that the program's recognition is growing with each passing episode. I have also had more opportunities in my private life to be told, "I see you on the taxi," which has made me realize once again the significant influence of being able to deliver a program during travel time. I would be happy if I could continue to provide a moment of relaxation inside the taxi in my third year as well.

【Profile: Hikaru Shinohara】 Joined Nippon TV as an announcer in 2018. Gained experience in various genres including sports, news, and variety through programs such as "ZIP!" and "Hirunandesu!" Later, he transitioned to his current career out of a desire to professionally share his passion for gaming and e-sports, which had been a hobby during his time at Nippon TV. Currently, under the theme of "Making 'likes' easy to understand," he is active as an e-sports caster, providing play-by-play commentary and serving as a general MC for tournaments such as "Pokémon UNITE" and "VALORANT." As a freelance announcer, he is also active in a wide range of genres, from moderating formal corporate events and film production announcements to hosting economic programs.

【Profile: Kasumi Mori】 Born June 16, 1995. From Tokyo. After leaving TV Tokyo in March 2023, she joined the production agency "seju." In addition to announcing and talent work, she is expanding her range of activities as an actress, appearing in dramas such as "Toshishita Doutei-kun ni Furimawasaretemasu" and "Ubai Ai, Manatsu." She was also selected as one of the "Faces of the Year" for 2025 by Nikkei Trendy. She will also appear in the TBS Friday drama "DREAM STAGE" starting in January 2026.

About the taxi signage media "GROWTH" As one of the largest taxi signage media in Tokyo, we deliver advertisements, information content, and new experiences to 7.7 million people per month during their travel time in taxis within the 23 wards of Tokyo. In addition to advertising content, we are committed to further enhancing the value of the travel space through initiatives such as airing the travel-time information program "HEADLIGHT" and collaborating on content with various media partners.

GROWTH Official Website: https://growth-tokyo.jp/ HEADLIGHT Official X: https://x.com/HEADLIGHT_TAXI HEADLIGHT Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headlight_taxi/ HEADLIGHT Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HEADLIGHT_growth

Contact Information For inquiries regarding available ad slots, applications, media materials, or other questions, please feel free to contact us below. A representative will respond to you individually. ------------------------------------------ News Technology Inc. THE TOKYO TAXI VISION GROWTH Team E-MAIL: taxiad@newstech.co.jp TEL: 03-5544-8775 URL: https://growth-tokyo.jp/ ------------------------------------------