Category: Uncategorized

A New Era in Japanese Sake: Tech-Native “Toji” Fuses Traditional Craft with Advanced IoT to Create World-Class Quality

TOKYO, Dec 15, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – SAKENOVA, a visionary sake brand led by 28-year-old CEO and Master Brewer Daichi Niiyama (born 1997), has announced a breakthrough in sake production that marries centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge AI technology. By implementing IoT sensors and AI-optimized fermentation processes, SAKENOVA (sakenova.com) has successfully reduced labor costs by approximately 40% while achieving the highest level of quality stability. This innovation has been validated globally, with the brand’s flagship products winning Gold Medals at prestigious competitions in Singapore and Luxembourg, and securing placements in Japan’s most exclusive luxury venues including Janu Tokyo and Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo. (SAKENOVA Dec 15)

INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS

– AI-Native Brewing Revolution: Led by a former AI engineer turned Toji, utilizing proprietary data analytics to visualize fermentation processes and ensure precision quality control previously reliant solely on intuition.

– Efficiency Meets Excellence: Achieved a 40% reduction in manufacturing labor costs through automation, proving high-efficiency tech can produce Gold Medal-winning ultra-premium sake.

– Global Acclaim: Winner of Gold Medals at the Singapore Sake Challenge and Luxembourg Sake Challenge; served at the Tokyo International Film Festival Opening Ceremony.

– Future of Flavor: Upcoming launch of the “ALPHA” series, a genre-defying botanical craft sake designed to captivate the international palate.

SAKENOVA is redefining the industry standard by demonstrating that digital transformation (DX) in brewing not only preserves tradition but enhances it. The brand’s flagship, featuring an extreme 7% rice polishing ratio, has already been adopted by The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa and other top-tier establishments. SAKENOVA is now actively seeking international importers and luxury dining partners to bring this new wave of Japanese sake to the world.

‘We are not just making sake; we are coding the future of fermentation. By offloading data management to AI, we allow our brewers to focus entirely on the art of sensory evaluation. We invite global partners to join us in this revolution.” Daichi Niiyama, CEO & Master Brewer.

REVOLUTIONIZING TRADITION: AI-DRIVEN PRECISION BREWING

SAKENOVA is redefining the centuries-old craft of sake brewing by integrating cutting-edge IoT and AI technologies. By moving away from reliance solely on intuition, we have established a data-driven brewing process that ensures unprecedented quality stability and efficiency.

Our system utilizes IoT sensors for automatic temperature control and AI algorithms to optimize the fermentation process in real-time. This approach allows us to visualize the fermentation trajectory for each specific flavor profile, ensuring consistency that manual brewing cannot match.

THE TECH-NATIVE TOJI: DAICHI NIIYAMA

Daichi Niiyama
CEO & MASTER BREWER (TOJI)

Born in 1997, Niiyama represents the new “AI-Native” generation of brewers. A former AI engineer who founded Sake AI Inc. in 2020, he bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. After rigorous training at a historic brewery, he now leads SAKENOVA’s brewing team, combining his engineering expertise with a deep passion for sake to shape the future of the industry.

Age: 28 (Born 1997)
Background: AI Engineer
Vision: “Maximizing sake enjoyment through technology.

INTERNATIONAL VALIDATION

Global Awards
– Gold Medal: Singapore Sake Challenge (2023, 2024)
– Gold Medal: Luxembourg Sake Challenge (2023)
– Silver Medal: Oriental Sake Awards (Hong Kong)

Prestigious Placements
– Selected for Tokyo International Film Festival Opening Ceremony and Japan Academy Awards After Ceremony.
– Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Janu Tokyo

SIGNATURE COLLECTION: THE ART OF 7%

SAKENOVA 2023
 FLAGSHIP (7% POLISHING)
The world’s most refined sake. 720 hours of polishing to a 7% ratio. Crafted using the Shizuku-dori gravity-drip method and proprietary yeast for crystalline purity.

KOJO
 RADIANT PREMIUM
A radiant expression featuring aromatic complexity and a silky midpalate. Designed for high-end dining pairing.

SEIRE
 CELESTIAL PREMIUM
Layered complexity evoking celestial ripples. Gentle sweetness with a long, elegant finish.

THE FLAGSHIP MODEL:

SAKENOVA 2023
 ¥30,800 – Retail Price (Tax Inc.)
The pinnacle of modern sake brewing. Achieving an unprecedented 7% polishing ratio through 720 hours of meticulous milling, combined with the gravity-drip “Shizuku-dori” method. A masterpiece of clarity and depth born from AI-optimized fermentation.

RICE POLISHING RATIO
7% (Hitachinishiki Rice)

YEAST
Proprietary Natural Yeast

BREWING METHOD
Shizuku-dori (Gravity Drip)

VOLUME
720mL

 SAKENOVA INTERNATIONAL
Singapore Sake Challenge – Gold
Luxembourg Sake Challenge – Gold

“We are orchestrating a fusion of ancestral craftsmanship and cutting-edge AI data analysis. Our mission is not just to brew sake, but to engineer the future of fermentation. We are creating a global standard for premium sake that transcends borders. We invite international partners who share this bold vision to join us in bringing SAKENOVA to the world’s most prestigious tables.” – DAICHI NIIYAMA, CEO & Master Brewer, Sake AI Inc.

UPCOMING INNOVATION: ALPHA CRAFTED SERIES NEW

SAKENOVA is poised to disrupt the market further with the launch of the ALPHA Crafted Series. This innovative line of “Craft Sake” infuses premium Japanese sake with botanicals such as Japanese woods (Mizunara, Hinoki), herbs, and tea.

– Concept: A fusion of sake brewing traditions and botanical infusion, targeting international palates familiar with gin and botanical spirits.

– Profile: Low-alcohol, fruity, and aromatic, designed to be accessible to those new to sake while offering complexity for connoisseurs.

– Strategic Goal: To expand the market beyond traditional sake drinkers and introduce a stylish, modern interpretation of Japanese fermentation culture.

ABOUT SAKENOVA & SAKE AI INC.
Founded in 2020 by Daichi Niiyama, Sake AI Inc. began as a tech startup developing AI recommendation engines. Driven by the vision of “A world where people love and maximize the enjoyment of sake,” the company evolved into a production powerhouse. SAKENOVA, launched in 2023, represents the pinnacle of this evolution—combining data-driven precision with artisanal soul.

In 2025, the company established the SAKENOVA BREWERY on Sado Island, Niigata—the island’s first craft sake brewery. This facility will serve as the R&D hub for both ultra-premium sake and the experimental ALPHA series.

Media Inquiries
CEO Daichi Niiyama is available for interviews regarding AI in traditional brewing, the future of sake, and youth entrepreneurship. High-res assets available.

Commercial Partnerships
We are currently accepting allocation requests for Q1 2026 from premium importers and luxury restaurant groups globally.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT
Hiroshi Ohashi
Public Relations / SAKENOVA
CREATIVE ELEMENT JAPAN, Inc.
info@elementnyc.com
http://elementnyc.com

HEAD OFFICE
SAKENOVA (C) Sake AI Inc.
Sky Plaza Akasaka #211
Tokyo 107-0052 Japan
Instagram @sakenova_official
https://sakenova.com

News Release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/PRESSRELEASE1212.pdf
SAKENOVA (C) Sake AI Inc.

Second fund of $150 million targets MedTech innovation – advancing devices, digital solutions, and diagnostics

TOKYO and WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Dec 15, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling, has announced an additional commitment to its corporate venture capital fund, Olympus Innovation Ventures, LLC (OIV), with the launch of Olympus Innovation Ventures Fund II. Building on the success of the initial fund, Olympus will deploy $150 million to invest in promising MedTech startup companies focused on Gastrointestinal (GI), Urology and Respiratory.

OIV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation of the Americas, aims to generate a robust pipeline of M&A opportunities, partnerships, and valuable market insights. OIV is stage-agnostic, prioritizing early to growth-stage companies globally with therapeutic solutions for targeted medical specialties. In addition to capital, Olympus will continue to help its portfolio companies succeed by contributing its clinical and technical expertise, access to healthcare professionals and hospitals, and ability to launch and scale innovative solutions in the global market.

OIV focuses on investments in passionate founders who are revolutionizing medical solutions. The fund invests in customer-driven solutions in medical devices, diagnostics and digital health. Since its inception in October 2021, OIV has made nine investments in areas such as AI workflow solutions and medical imaging agents for cancer detection.

Bob White, Director, Representative Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Olympus, said, “Our expanded venture fund commitment reflects Olympus’ deep dedication to innovation and growth. By supporting visionary innovators and breakthrough technologies over time, we aim to accelerate solutions that improve patient outcomes and strengthen our leadership in MedTech.”

Cerity Partners Ventures (Cerity), a firm specializing in corporate venture capital, will continue to help manage the Olympus venture fund. Cerity will work closely with senior executives of Olympus in all aspects of operating the fund.

“The Cerity Partners Ventures team is excited to continue working with Olympus, leveraging our collective technical strengths, industry relationships, and subject matter expertise to fund and support leading entrepreneurs,” noted Kindra Tatarsky, Partner at Cerity Partners Ventures. “This fund will build on Olympus Innovation Ventures’ mission to be the partner of choice for innovators, creating a competitive advantage for their startups.”

Gabriela Kaynor, Executive Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Olympus and Chair of the OIV Investment Committee, said, “With an additional commitment to corporate venture capital, we will continue to make investments in startup teams who are building unique solutions in endoscopy-enabled care. Olympus Innovation Ventures investments help accelerate our progress toward developing the endosuite of the future with capabilities for early detection, diagnosis, and advanced therapies powered by AI, robotics, and beyond.”

Olympus remains committed to strengthening its market leadership through innovation, strategic partnerships, and investment in breakthrough technologies. Moving forward, OIV will continue to support Olympus’ commitment to elevating unique capabilities and drive growth in the global MedTech ecosystem.

For more information, please visit: olympusamerica.com/olympus-innovation-ventures or email: ventures@olympus.com.

About Cerity Partners Ventures

Cerity Partners Ventures partners with corporations to help launch and manage their venture capital programs. CPV works closely with each corporation to achieve the financial and strategic benefits from venture capital investments. The firm is a Registered Investment Adviser and maintains offices in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. More information on CPV can be found at https://ceritypartners.com/corporations/corporate-venture-capital/

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide innovative solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/ and follow our global LinkedIn accounts.

Media contact:
Mail: Global-Public_Relations@olympus.com

Olympus Corp [TYO: 7733] [ADR: OLYMY] [STU: OLY1] [FRA: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com

“Digimon Adventure 02” & “Magical DoReMi #” ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION
1. Both titles to be screened at the “Anime Watch Party”
2. Special lectures featuring the series director and producer from each title
3. Character meet-and-greet events to be held

TOKYO, Dec 12, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition center for Japanese anime operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Association of Japanese Animations, has welcomed 240,384 visitors from Japan and overseas (as of November 30, 2025) as a facility that promotes the appeal of Japanese anime to the world under the motto “Making ANIME more interesting, Bringing ANIME far into the future.”

We are pleased to announce that a variety of events will be held in conjunction with the ongoing “Digimon Adventure 02” & “Magical DoReMi #” ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION.

As part of the monthly “Anime Watch Party” held at Anime Tokyo Station, a special winter event will feature screenings of “Digimon Adventure 02” and “Magical DoReMi #.” An event screening the first episodes of both titles will take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025. To commemorate the occasion, a special guest may also make an appearance.

In the Special Lecture Series “The Power to Create Anime: Nine Lessons for the Future,” where attendees can listen, learn, and gain insight into the anime industry through the words of leading professionals, Hiroyuki Kakudo, the series director of Digimon Adventure 02, will appear in Session 4, and Hiromi Seki, the producer of Magical DoReMi #, will appear in Session 5. This event offers a rare opportunity to hear valuable stories—including on-site experiences and behind-the-scenes episodes of anime production—at Anime Tokyo Station, a facility dedicated to sharing the appeal of anime.

In addition, meet-and-greet events featuring characters from “Digimon Adventure 02” and “Magical DoReMi #” have been confirmed. On Sunday, January 25, 2026, Doremi-chan from Magical DoReMi # will make an appearance, and on Sunday, February 1, 2026, Veemon from Digimon Adventure 02 will appear. Why not enjoy the exhibitions while also taking commemorative photos to capture your memories?

The latest updates on each event are available on the official website and social media accounts. We invite you to experience the world of Digimon Adventure 02 and Magical DoReMi # here at Anime Tokyo Station, a facility dedicated to sharing the appeal of anime.

“Anime Watch Party 12” – Winter Special Event Details

“Anime Watch Party 12” – Winter Special Event

(1) Date and time: Sunday, December 21, 2025

1. 13:00–14:25 Magical DoReMi # — Talk & Giveaway Quiz Contest
2. 15:00–16:00 Digimon Adventure 02 — Talk & Giveaway Quiz Contest
3. 16:30–17:00 Magical DoReMi #
4. 17:30–18:00 Digimon Adventure 02

A special guest may also make an appearance on the day.
For the latest updates, please check the official website, social media accounts, and in-facility announcements.
*Noriko Namiki will be present at (1) and (2).
*Anime screening only at (3) and (4).

(2) Venue: 1st Floor (in front of Interactive Vision), Anime Tokyo Station (Tokyu East 5, 2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo)

(3) Films to be screened

“Digimon Adventure 02” – Episode 1: The Inheritor of Courage

Story summary

The Digimon Kaiser suddenly appears in the once-peaceful Digital World, bringing suffering to Agumon and the others. Taichi heads to the Digital World to save them, but he finds himself in danger when the Kaiser’s power prevents Agumon from evolving. Upon learning that Taichi is in trouble, Takeru and the others attempt to head for the Digital World. At that moment, a Digivice appears in the hand of Daisuke, who is with them. And when Daisuke touches the Digi-Egg of Courage—an egg no one had ever been able to move—the curtain rises on a brand-new adventure.

“Magical DoReMi #” – Episode 1: Doremi Becomes a Mom!?

Story summary

The Ojamajo girls head to the Witch World to deliver something Majolica forgot, but they accidentally wander into the Queen’s garden, where they witness a baby being born from a single rose.

According to the rules of the Witch World, the person who first sees the newborn baby must take care of it for one year. And so, a new chapter in the Ojamajo girls’ lives begins.

(4) Event Navigator: Noriko Namiki (voice actress)

(5) No. of participants: Approximately 30 (come and go as you wish)

(6) Participation fee: Free

*Please sit in the allocated seating area.
*Photos, video recordings, and sound recordings inside the venue are prohibited on the day of the events.
*Guests may be required to stand if all the seats are filled.
*Seats may be moved after each screening.
*Staff will take photographs for use in Anime Tokyo Station publicity and reporting materials.
By participating, it is assumed that you understand and agree to these conditions.
*Please follow staff guidance when participating.

For details, please visit https://animetokyo.jp/en/archives/events/events52/

Details of the Special Lecture Series “The Power to Create Anime: Nine Lessons for the Future”

(1) Date and time:

Session 4 —	Saturday, December 20, 2025, 15:00–17:00 Hiroyuki Kakudo (Animation Director, known for Digimon Adventure 02) Application: https://forms.office.com/r/aJpjFwdfeV
Session 5 —	Saturday, January 17, 2026, 15:00–17:00 Hiromi Seki (Producer, Planning Department, Toei Animation; known for Magical DoReMi #) Application: Please check the official website.

*Please note that session times are subject to change.

(2) Venue: Special Event Hall, 14th Floor, Anime Tokyo Station (Tokyu East 5, 2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo)
(3) Participation fee: Free
(4) Eligible age: High school students and above
*Non-Japanese nationals who understand Japanese are also eligible to participate.
(5) No. of participants: 50 per session (advance application and lottery)
(6) How to apply: Please apply for each session via the application URL provided on the event page of the Anime Tokyo Station official website.

Event page: https://animetokyo.jp/en/archives/events/workshop50/
*Please check each session’s application page for the application deadline.
*Please read the notes on the application page before applying.
*For cancellations or related inquiries, please contact us at the email address below.
Contact: info@animetokyo.jp

Character Meet-and-Greet Details

“Magical DoReMi #” — Doremi-chan

(1) Schedule:	January 25, 2026 (Sun.)
(2) Time:	Session 1: 12:00–12:20 Session 2: 14:00–14:20 Session 3: 16:00–16:20
(3) Venue:	1st floor, Anime Tokyo Station
(4) No. of participants:	One group of 20 persons per session
(5) Application date:	From December 19 (Fri.), 2025

 

“Digimon Adventure 02” — Veemon

(1) Schedule:	February 1, 2026 (Sun.)
(2) Time:	Session 1: 12:00–12:20 Session 2: 14:00–14:20 Session 3: 16:00–16:20
(3) Venue:	1st floor, Anime Tokyo Station
(4) No. of participants:	One group of 20 persons per session
(5) Application date:	From December 19 (Fri.), 2025

 

Notes
– Date, time, and contents are subject to change.
– Please check the official website and social media accounts for the application URL and the latest updates.
– Please fill in the application after reading and understanding the notes on the application page.

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as “Anime Tokyo”)
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m./ Special exhibitions close: 6:30 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year’s holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
sns：	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/ (@animetokyostation) YouTube｜https://www.youtube.com/@AnimeTokyoStation

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of “Anime Tokyo Station” (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

Press release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20251212.pdf

– “Digimon Adventure 02” ＆ “Magical DoReMi #” ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION to be Held
– Dates: November 15, 2025 to February 15, 2026

TOKYO, Dec 3, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Anime Tokyo Station is an anime exhibition site focused on Japanese anime content, which has developed a devout fan base around the world. From November 15, 2025 to February 15, 2026, it will be holding the “Digimon Adventure 02” & “Magical DoReMi #” ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION. A sneak preview was held for the press on November 14, the day before the exhibition opened.

Visitors to the anniversary joint exhibition can enjoy a variety of unique displays at Anime Tokyo Station, including rare character design materials, interactive digital content, and photo spots.

Please visit Anime Tokyo Station and experience the full appeal of Digimon Adventure 02 and Magical DoReMi #.

Exhibits

 

”Digimon Adventure 02” ＆ “Magical DoReMi #” ANIME 25TH ANNIVERSARY JOINT EXHIBITION

What is “Digimon Adventure 02”?

Digimon Adventure 02 is the second series in the franchise, serving as a sequel to Digimon Adventure, which depicted the growth and adventures of children and their Digimon partners in the Digital World.

Set three years after Taichi and friends’ adventure, a new enemy appears in the now-peaceful Digital World. A new-generation Digimon, V-MON, and his partner Daisuke Motomiya, along with returning heroes Hikari Yagami and Takeru Takaishi and new allies Iori Hida and Miyako Inoue, face the crisis threatening the Digital World. The series features a diverse array of evolution methods, including Armor Evolution and Jogress Evolution, in addition to standard evolution, adding to its appeal.

DIGIMONWEB https://digimon.net/
Digimon Web Official X @digimonweb_net
Digimon Anime Series [Official] X @Digimon_Anime
Anime DIGIMON BEATBREAK Official X @digimon_tv

What is the “Magical DoReMi” Series?

The Magical DoReMi series were broadcast on Japanese television for four years, starting in 1999, celebrating the 25th anniversary of its broadcast in 2024.

The story follows three girls, Doremi, Hazuki, and Aiko, who accidentally end up becoming witch apprentices. Set between their school and a shop called “MAHO-DO,” the series depicts their magical, miraculous daily training to become full-fledged witches. Throughout the series, charming characters such as Onpu, Momoko, and Hana join the cast. For the 20th anniversary, the commemorative film “Looking for Magical Doremi” was released in theaters nationwide in November 2020.

Magical DoReMi Official Website: https://www.doremi-anniv.com/
Magical DoReMi Official X: @Doremi_staff
Magical DoReMi Official Instagram: @doremi_20th_anniv
Magical DoReMi Official TikTok: @doremi_anniv

*When featuring this article, please include the following copyright notices: ©Akiyoshi Hongo, Toei Animation　©Toei Animation

Venue Overview

Name:	Anime Tokyo Station (also known as “Anime Tokyo”)
Location:	Floors B1 to 2F of Tokyu East 5 (2-25-5 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo) *4 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
Hours:	11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission: 6:45 p.m.)
Closed:	Mondays *If Monday falls on a holiday, the venue will be open on Monday and closed on the following day New Year’s holiday period May be closed on other days Please check the venue website before coming.
Admission fee:	Free
Website:	https://animetokyo.jp/en/
SNS:	X｜https://x.com/animetokyo_info (@animetokyo_info) Instagram｜https://www.instagram.com/animetokyostation/ (@animetokyostation) YouTube｜ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSJOjGJE5Yiqw3PZ97AVdJw

Inquiries regarding this press release
Public Relations Office of “Anime Tokyo Station” (Kyodo PR)
Contact person: Miri Yasuda
E-mail: animetokyo-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp

Press release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20251203.pdf

Retaining the original curved design while contributing to improving the building’s value through maintained safety and enhanced energy efficiency

TOKYO, Nov 27, 2025 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation (MEBS, Head Office: Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo; President: Iwao Oda) today announced that Mitsubishi Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (MELMEX), which is responsible for elevator and escalator sales in Mexico, completed the renewal of one of the spiral escalators at the Liverpool department store in the Centro Santa Fe shopping mall in Santa Fe, Mexico on October 15. This project was the first-ever spiral escalator renewal project conducted anywhere in the world.

Spiral escalators, which are curved escalators that trace an arc, are manufactured exclusively by MEBS. The unit that was renewed this time is one of two spiral escalators in Mexico delivered by the company in 1992 that remain in operation today. Elevators and escalators undergo continuous and appropriate maintenance in order to sustain and restore their functionality. However, the risks associated with deterioration through aging and the number of discontinued or unavailable parts increase over time. Through this renewal, the company replaced key components at an optimal timing, enhancing the escalator’s safety, reliability, and comfort. In addition, by applying new features and designs, the project improved its energy efficiency, and aesthetic value. The company will pass on the insights and know-how gained during this renewal to the next generation and continue to respond effectively to customers’ future needs for spiral escalator renewals.

Construction and Features of the Renewed Product

1) The world’s first ever renewal of a spiral escalator, contributing to the product’s continued safe and secure operation

– The team carried out the world’s first renewal of a spiral escalator, a product manufactured exclusively by MEBS.

– Several major parts (the control panel, drive unit, safety devices, etc.) were replaced to ensure the continued safe and secure operation of this spiral escalator, which is a central feature of the building.

2) Achieving improved energy efficiency, and aesthetic appearance by applying the latest functions and design

– An automatic operation stationary in stand-by function has been newly introduced. A sensor detects the presence of escalator users and automatically stops operation when no users are detected. This reduces energy consumption when the escalator is unoccupied.

– By replacing the existing polycarbonate interior panels with glass panels, the renewal will reduce aging-related effects such as photodegradation, which is a characteristic of plastic materials, and improve the escalator’s aesthetic appearance.

– By enhancing the escalator’s energy conservation, and aesthetic appearance, the renewal will contribute to increasing the value of the customer’s building.

3) Achieving a safe and high-quality renewal by overcoming construction conditions and structural issues with highly skilled techniques

– Although the facility remained in operation and the working space was limited, which made it difficult to secure room for removing the existing components, the work was completed by repeatedly repositioning and reconfiguring the on-site lifting crane and gantry^**.

– During the installation of the interior panels and decorative parts, the spiral escalator’s unique curved design makes it easy for slippage and gaps to occur. To overcome this problem, skilled workers drew on their experience to make fine adjustments down to the millimeter, such as cutting parts on site.

– Through this renewal work, the company has strengthened its ability to meet customers’ future renewal needs by reliably handing down to and sharing with the next generation the advanced, highly specialized technologies and skills related to renewal of spiral escalators.

Product Specifications

Product	Main replacement parts	No. of units	Manufacturer
Spiral Escalator	Control Panel, Drive Unit, Safety Devices, Handrails, Steps, Interior Panels	1 unit	INZAZWA Building Systems Works

^* The panel shown here differs from the panels delivered for the current project.
^** Unlike conventional construction or overhead cranes, this is a self-supporting, lightweight crane device designed for handling light loads. It features an aluminum frame for easy installation and relocation, and can be operated without relying on the building’s structural elements.

Future Development

Since MEBS developed the world’s first spiral escalator in 1985, MEBS has manufactured a total of 111 units. Some of these existing spiral escalators are now 30 to 40 years old, and a certain level of demand for renewing these units to continue in future years. Spiral escalators, in particular, require extremely specialized technology and expertise from design to manufacture and installation due to their unique curved structure. In addition, unlike new spiral escalator installations conducted in the past, this renewal project was the company’s first attempt to dismantle, install, and adjust existing parts that can still be used, such as the trusses that form the escalator’s framework. In this project, a skilled engineer who has successfully installed spiral escalators in Japan and all over the world took the lead and completed the work while handing down his or her expertise to the next generation. MEBS will continue to provide its one-of-a-kind spiral escalators together with high-quality maintenance and renewal services so that these machines can continue to be used safely and comfortably around the world.

Overview of MELMEX

Company Name	Mitsubishi Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
Location	State of Mexico, United Mexican States
Ownership	Mitsubishi Electric Corporation: 86.15% Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation: 13.85%
Established	April 1976
Business	Sales, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of elevators and escalators

 

About Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation

Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation is a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation established in April 2022 that conducts a comprehensive range of operations in the building systems business, from development and manufacturing to maintenance and renewal. As a building solutions provider, we support the economic and social infrastructure through one-stop integrated solutions that combine a wide range of building-related products and services, including elevators, escalators, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and building systems, as well as with our extensive experience in building operation and management, and advanced digital technology. From buildings to building complexes and even entire cities, we contribute to enriching human life in buildings and urban spaces by solving a wide variety of issues that are closely linked to people and society, with the ultimate aim of realizing smart cities. For more information, please visit www.mebs.com/

Customer Inquiries
Corporate Planning Department, Global Business Group
Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation
bod.inquiry@rk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp

Media Inquiries
Corporate Communication Division
Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation
A_mebs_press@meltec.co.jp

Press Release: http://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20251127.pdf