UNIVA Paycast (UPC)'s payment gateway "UnivaPay" now supports Aeon's code payment service "AEON Pay." With this, stores that adopt "UnivaPay" can handle up to 10 types of code payment methods with a single system update, enabling them to meet a wider range of customer needs. Integration with "AEON Pay," which allows users to register and use AEON-branded credit cards and bank accounts, broadens payment options for users and is expected to improve convenience for both sides. UPC will continue to aim for the revitalization of the Japanese economy as a whole.

UNIVA Rhizoma Inc. (UR) is responsible for outsourcing back-office operations. We have expanded the Naha office due to business growth. UR will further strengthen the collaborative system for accounting, finance, and tax departments within the UNIVA Group companies, as well as expand accounting support services for companies outside the group.

On September 6-7, Naturally Plus Indonesia (NPID) held the "Hydrogen Water Seminar" by Fumiaki Ota, President of the Hydrogen Health Medicine Lab. Over the two days in Jakarta and Medan, 163 members participated in the seminar. In Indonesia, there are almost no institutions conducting research on hydrogen for health purposes, so information regarding hydrogen water is also limited. Until now, NPID has been providing accurate information about hydrogen water and working to increase awareness. Since IZUMIO began sales in 2019, this fiscal year is expected to have the highest shipment volume ever, with about a 65% increase from the previous fiscal year. We will continue to hold seminars to provide valuable information for the people of Indonesia.

At UNIVA America (UAI), we supported the participation in Newtopia Now as part of the promotion and sales efforts of the long-established Nagasaki Gosan-yaki Castella maker "Suzakiya" in the United States. Newtopia Now, a convention hosted by Natural Product Expo, is known for its strict screening of exhibitors' raw materials and packaging. Suzakiya's Castella, made only from high-quality raw materials, was approved for exhibition, marking its first appearance. Buyers from Whole Foods and major distributors attended the venue and were deeply impressed by the delicate flavor of castella, which many tasted for the first time. UAI will continue follow-ups to lead to closing.

UNIVA Gyro-n (UG) has updated the "AI Review Reply Assist" feature for medical institutions. The AI automatically generates reply drafts that comply with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and medical advertising guidelines, reducing legal risks while improving operational efficiency and alleviating the burden on staff. This enables safe and efficient communication with patients.

UNIVA RBL (RBL) is preparing to launch the "3-x-3 professional basketball league" (name: Royal Basketball League) in Japan, aiming for the league's inaugural season in 2026. As a pre-opening round, the FIBA-approved NAGOYA LITE QUEST was held in Nagoya on September 20-21. Three-x-three basketball (3×3) became an official event at the Tokyo Olympics and is gradually gaining popularity in Japan. The NAGOYA LITE QUEST this time was free for spectators! The audience was able to experience an intense battle among professionals up close. When the RBL league is held, everyone at NAKAMA, please be sure to come and watch!

Last month, we welcomed five new NAKAMA.
Congratulations to everyone on joining the company!
Yoshida-san worked at Naturally Plus Japan until October 2018.
Welcome back, Yoshida-san!