Announcing Nikkei Cross Trend FORUM 2026 Panel: Sanrio and News Technology Discuss 'Customer Touchpoints in the AI Era Through the Lens of "Sanrio Time"'

News Technology Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Junki Miura; hereinafter "News Technology"), operator of THE TOKYO TAXI VISION GROWTH (hereinafter "GROWTH")—Tokyo’s largest-scale taxi signage media network※—announces that Shinichiro Ikeuchi, General Manager at Sanrio Co., Ltd., and Junki Miura, CEO of News Technology, will jointly speak at the "Nikkei Cross Trend FORUM 2026" scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Under the theme of "customer touchpoints in the AI era," this session will explore how brands can foster empathy and emotional connection through serendipitous encounters, drawing on News Technology’s concept of "disposable time" and Sanrio’s unique non-financial metric, "Sanrio Time."

※ As of March 2023, our taxi signage network covers 11,500 vehicles within Tokyo’s 23 wards and the Musashino transportation zone. With 26,983 corporate taxis operating in the area (according to the Kanto Transport Bureau), this represents approximately 42% coverage.

Session Overview

In an age where AI optimizes information exposure, how should brands create serendipitous moments that foster empathy and emotional attachment? Building on News Technology’s concept of "disposable time" and Sanrio’s proprietary non-financial indicator "Sanrio Time," this session will examine the future of customer engagement, using case studies such as the "Hanamaru Ghost Taxi"—a project that brought comfort during commutes.

Date and Time |Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 14:00–14:30

Theme |Rethinking Customer Touchpoints for Brands Chosen in the AI Era: From "Sanrio Time"

—Designing Experiences That Spark Empathy Through Serendipity—

Speakers |Shinichiro Ikeuchi, General Manager, Sanrio Co., Ltd.

(Division of IP Management 2, Brand Management Division / Division of Domestic IP Production 2, Sales Division)

Junki Miura, CEO, News Technology Inc.

Venue |Tokyo Convention Hall (Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)

Session Content |• Changes in information exposure and marketing in the AI era

• Understanding "disposable time"—where serendipity occurs

• Unpacking IP strategy and marketing through "Sanrio Time"

• The "Hanamaru Ghost Taxi"—bringing comfort during commutes

Register for the session here

[Speaker Profiles]

Shinichiro Ikeuchi, General Manager, Sanrio Co., Ltd.

Joined Sanrio Co., Ltd. as a new graduate in 2008. After working in publishing sales and editorial roles, he moved to the licensing division, focusing on household goods and digital sectors. In 2022, he transferred to the newly established IP Creation Department (currently: Division of IP Management 2, Brand Management Division / Division of Domestic IP Production 2, Sales Division). As a producer overseeing new character development and growth, he leads initiatives such as user-participation IP creation projects, collaborative projects with artists, and social media-originated IP development, driving new value creation and nurturing methods at Sanrio.

Junki Miura, CEO, News Technology Inc.

Began his career at Vector Inc., where he contributed to the launch of the Beijing branch just one year after joining. Appointed CEO of News Technology in 2018. Currently leads diverse businesses including DOOH media such as "GROWTH," Tokyo’s largest taxi signage network; "BREAK," a signage network in smoking lounges; and "CITY VISION AOYAMA," an outdoor advertising platform. Additionally, he oversees McGuffin—a culture-focused video media platform centered on YouTube—video production, premium transportation services for inbound tourists, and a specialized recruitment agency for PR and public relations professionals.

Overview of Taxi Signage Media "GROWTH"

"GROWTH," the largest taxi signage media network in Tokyo, delivers advertising, information content, and new experiences to approximately 7.7 million taxi passengers monthly within Tokyo’s 23 wards. Beyond advertising, "GROWTH" promotes the value of mobility time under the concept "A step ahead in inspiration," through initiatives such as broadcasting the mobility-time information program "HEADLIGHT" and collaborative content projects with media partners.

News Technology Inc.

Company Name: News Technology Inc. Address: 10F, 3rd MINAMI AOYAMA, 3-1-34 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Established: October 1, 2014 Representative: Junki Miura Capital: 20 million yen Business Activities: Mobility platform services (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Travel Agency Registration No. 2-8387), media, content creation, and employment placement services (Licensed Employment Agency No. 13-Yu-317085) Website: https://newstech.co.jp/