Kao Releases the Kao Integrated Report 2025

The cover visual represents our “moonshot.” It embodies our commitment to achieving the ambitious goal of a sustainable society for future generations.

TOKYO, June 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Kao Corporation (TOKYO:4452) has published the Kao Integrated Report 2025 on its website, offering shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the company’s initiatives and strategic direction.
Kao Integrated Report 2025

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250609991718/en/

To achieve its Mid-term Plan “K27,” Kao aims to become a unique presence indispensable to someone in the world and is advancing its Global Sharp Top strategy. In FY2024, Kao exceeded its targets by strengthening Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) management and strategically investing to build stronger, more robust businesses.

This report offers an in-depth look at Kao’s progress under K27, highlighting how Kao’s dedicated employees—through the Global Sharp Top strategy and agile scrum team approach—are actively creating new value and driving meaningful impact. It also outlines Kao’s ongoing efforts to take on bold challenges by leveraging its unique scientific expertise to address global social issues and help realize a Kirei world where all life lives in harmony.

Kao hopes this report deepens stakeholders’ understanding and fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration. The company is committed to actively incorporating feedback and insights from diverse partners as it continues to enhance its positive contributions to society and corporate value.

Related Information
Kao Sustainability Report 2025

About the Kirei Lifestyle Plan
Over the past 130 years, Kao has worked to improve people’s lives and help them realize more sustainable lifestyles—a Kirei Lifestyle. The Japanese word “kirei” describes something that is clean, well-ordered, and beautiful all at once. For Kao, this concept of “kirei” not only describes appearance but also attitude—a desire to create beauty for oneself, for other people, and for the natural world around us. Aiming to realize a more sustainable way of living, in April 2019, the Kao Group established its ESG strategy known as the Kirei Lifestyle Plan. By 2030, Kao aims to empower at least 1 billion people, to enjoy more beautiful lives. Kao also strives to have 100% of its products leave a full lifecycle environmental footprint that science says our natural world can safely absorb.
Please visit the Kao sustainability website for more information.

About Kao
Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care and household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Attack laundry detergent, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Laurier sanitary products, CurélSENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, and Oribe hair care products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,630 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 32,600 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation. As an enterprise that provides products people use on a daily basis, the Kao Group takes responsibility to actively reduce the environmental footprint of its products throughout the product lifecycle. This is laid out in Kao’s ESG strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan, which launched in 2019.
Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250609991718/en/

Contacts

Media inquiries should be directed to:
Public Relations
Kao Corporation
corporate_pr@kao.com

Source: Kao Corporation

Spring Bio Solution Launches NCE Grid to decode Para IV Filing and First-to-File Opportunities

SOMERSET, N.J., June 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spring Bio Solution, a global leader in the comparator sourcing and clinical trial supplies, has launched NCE Grid, the world’s first free NCE-1 intelligence platform – built to decode, centralize, and visualize Para IV and NCE-1 opportunities in real-time.

Until now, tracking NCE exclusivity expirations and Paragraph IV filings has been a fragmented, manual, and cumbersome process, lacking a centralized solution. Regulatory updates are scattered across various portals, intelligence is buried in siloed databases, and timelines are tracked using spreadsheets. The result? Competitive blind spots, misaligned R&D, and a race already lost before it begins.

For generic pharmaceutical companies aiming to be the “first to file,” intelligence gaps, scattered data, and missed timelines can result in lost exclusivity and millions in revenue.

NCE Grid changes that.

NCE Grid is the world’s first free tool to integrate every critical data point, including molecule, innovator name, NCE-1 date, revenue, therapeutic usage, expected sales growth, and CAGR% into one intuitive platform. With real-time visualizations and actionable insights, NCE Grid empowers strategy, regulatory, and portfolio teams to identify, prioritize, and act on first-to-file opportunities with clarity and speed.

“We created NCE Grid because we saw too many companies struggle with fragmented insights and missed opportunities,” said Salim Shaikh, Founder and CEO of Spring Bio Solution. “In a race where timing is everything, our platform brings clarity, speed, and a competitive edge to decision-makers. When you think Para IV, think NCE Grid — Your trusted guide for strategic drug development.” 

To learn more, visithttps://ncegrid.springbiosolution.com/

About Spring Bio Solution

Spring Bio Solution partners with CROs, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions worldwide, offering reliable solutions for comparator sourcing and clinical trial supplies. With offices and WDL (wholesale Drug Distribution License) facilities across the USA, EU, Singapore, and India, and a robust network of 400+ distribution partners and 30+ innovators, Spring Bio Solution ensures timely and compliant access to critical drug supplies.

Trusted by over 600 clients and maintaining a 99.9% success rate for sourcing comparator drugs/ RLDs/ innovator samples, the company offers industry-leading cold chain capabilities, ranging from -60°C to ambient temperatures. Through its partnership with LSPedia, Spring Bio Solution also ensures full DSCSA compliance and end-to-end traceability.

With experience supporting over 1,000 clinical trials and more than 12,000 bioequivalence studies, Spring Bio Solution empowers sponsors to de-risk operations and accelerate drug development with confidence.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Navdeep Trivedi
Vice President & Head, Digital Marketing
Spring Bio Solution
navdeep.trivedi@springbiosolution.com

SOURCE: Spring Bio Solution PTE.LTD

Explore Kowloon Walled City Anew with an Immersive, Open-Air Exhibition & Neighbourhood Guide

Once the world’s most densely populated place, Kowloon Walled City is back in the spotlight with a new exhibition bringing fresh attention to this vibrant corner of Hong Kong

HONG KONG, June 11 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
 Known for its maze-like architecture and lawless atmosphere, Kowloon Walled City has long captured the imagination of filmmakers, historians and curious travellers alike. Now, its legendary spirit is being brought vividly back to life – right on the very site where it once stood – with “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Movie Set Exhibition.

Launched on 23 May 2025, this immersive experience marks Hong Kong’s largest-ever movie set exhibition, inspired by the 2024 action blockbuster Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Over the next three years, visitors can step into scenes from the film through full-scale recreations of the Walled City’s gritty 1980s alleyways and storefronts, from a tailor shop and bone-setting clinic to a barber and fish ball factory.

More than a nostalgic tribute, the exhibition sets the stage for deeper exploration of Kowloon City – one of Hong Kong’s most fascinating and culturally rich neighbourhoods.
 

“Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Exhibition Details
Exhibition Period:From 24 May 2025, for a duration of three years
Opening Hours:From 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from May to August 2025
From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from September 2025 onwards
Venue:Yamen, Kowloon Walled City Park
Admission:Free
Website:https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/kwcp/opening.html

Explore More Cultural Treasures in Kowloon City

After exploring the exhibition, dive deeper into the neighbourhood’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Hau Wong Temple

Built in 1730 and dedicated to a loyal general of the Southern Song Dynasty, this historic temple is steeped in tradition. Keep an eye out for intricate dragon motifs, delicate porcelain figurines, and beautifully preserved Chinese calligraphy.

Address: Junction of Junction Road and Tung Tau Tsuen Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Cattle Depot Artist Village

As one of the city’s earliest artist enclaves, Cattle Depot was once an old slaughterhouse. But today, it’s home to local legends like Frog King and cutting-edge galleries such as Videotage and 1a Space – and it continues to fuel Hong Kong’s boundary-pushing art scene.

Address: 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, Ma Tau Kok, Kowloon

Archaeological Discoveries at Sung Wong Toi MTR Station

Uncover relics from the Song and Yuan Dynasties at the Treasures from Sacred Hill exhibition inside Sung Wong Toi MTR Station. Featuring artifacts, maps and photos, the display reveals a lost world of maritime trade and everyday life.

Address: Concourse of Sung Wong Toi MTR Station, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Savour the Flavours of Kowloon City

With its Thai community, artisan coffee shop Cantonese soul and generations of culinary know-how, Kowloon City is one of the city’s richest dining districts. Here are a few highlights:

Lok Yuen

A local favourite, Lok Yuen is a no-frills cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café) specialising in melt-in-your-mouth satay beef French toast. Pair it with yuen yeung – a mix of coffee and Hong Kong-style Milk Tea – for Hong Kong comfort food at its best.

Address: Shop 6, 3/F, Kowloon City Municipal Services Building, 100 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Fong Wing Kee Hot Pot Restaurant

A local institution since 1952, Fong Wing Kee is still a top pick for bubbling, fragrant hotpot dinners. Choose from mild or fiery broths and load up on thinly sliced meats, seafood, satay noodles and handmade dumplings.

Address: 85-87 Hau Wong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Lok Hau Fook Restaurant

Beloved for Chiu Chow specialties, Lok Hau Fook draws crowds with its roast goose, melon pancakes, chicken dumplings and crispy deep-fried taro. Retro interiors complete the nostalgic experience.

Address:  1 Hau Wong Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Tai Wo Tang

Once a Chinese medicine shop, this 1932 tong lau has been beautifully restored. Many of the charming original fixtures remain, but the menu now offers modern coffee, tea and brunch plates that attract a younger crowd.

Address:  24 Nga Tsin Long Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Tei Mou Koon Dessert

This longtime dessert shop dishes out classic Cantonese sweets like herbal jelly, black sesame soup and mango sago.

Address:  47 Fuk Lo Tsun Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon

Dive into Kowloon City’s Unique Shopping Scene

In this unique part of town, shopping runs the gamut from bustling Thai markets to next-generation malls.

Little Thailand

Wander the lively side streets south of the Kowloon Walled City Park to find a vibrant Thai enclave. Thai shops, beauty salons and grocers line the streets, and it’s the perfect place to pick up tropical fruits, pandan cakes, fresh curry paste, snacks and ready-made meals.

AIRSIDE

Opened in 2023 as part of the bold transformation of the former Kai Tak Airport site, AIRSIDE is a design-forward, eco-conscious mall that redefines the retail experience. Look out for global fashion, local lifestyle boutiques, public art, kids’ play zones, indoor surfing and diverse dining – all under one sleek roof.

Address:  2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon

Kai Tak Mall

Kai Tak Mall spans 700,000 square feet across three state-of-the-art buildings, with over 200 shops including Adidas, Nike and Decathlon. It’s also home to EpicLand, Hong Kong’s largest indoor adventure park for kids, plus a 40-lane bowling alley and a 17.5-meter climbing wall for thrillseekers.

Address: Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon

Ready to go? Start with “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Movie Set Exhibition, then explore Kowloon City’s one-of-a-kind mix of culture, cuisine and shopping. Visit the revamped Discover Hong Kong site to learn more and plan your trip.

Click here to download high-res images.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Annice Li  

Email: annice.li@hktb.com  

Ms. Claris Lam  

Email: claris.lam@hktb.com   

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e0b17d52-4137-4c3d-a0cb-afd4f8fbb0f0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1b30db1-c702-4747-a229-965d4eedf7c0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2195eec9-1042-4425-94b5-6f10df8ca48b

SOURCE: Hong Kong Tourism Board

–BERNAMA

Watermelons from Xiaxian County, Shanxi Province, were exported to Southeast Asian countries for the first time

YUNCHENG, China, June 11, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Recently, the first batch of 160 “Xiale” watermelons from Xiaxian County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, was shipped to Malaysia, marking the first time that watermelons from Xiaxian county have been sold to Southeast Asian countries.

Xiaxian County is located at 35 degrees north latitude, with good ecological environment, rich natural resources, long hours of sunshine, large temperature differences between day and night, and fertile soil, making it a golden zone for fruit production. The watermelons grown here are known for their crisp, sweet, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Xiaxian County also has a long history of watermelon cultivation, and historical records show that the watermelons here were once a tribute to imperial courts.

In recent years, Xiaxian County has focused on technological innovation and standardized production of watermelons, and take the highest standards, the strictest norms and the most practical measures to ensure that every watermelon has unique identification code, growth record card, and traceable quality. Xiaxian watermelons have successively won the honorary titles, such as Geographical Indication Agricultural Products recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Famous, Special, Excellent and New Agricultural Products, the China Regional Public Brand of Agricultural Products and Ten Major City Brand Cards of Yuncheng City.

The data provided by the Xiaxian County government shows that in recent years, the annual output of high-quality watermelons in Xiaxian County has reached 400,000 tons, with over 1,000 local farming households, generating a total output value of CNY 710 million. It is understood that the Xiaxian County government will also expand watermelon exports to South Korea and other countries.

Source: Xiaxian County People’s Government

Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival Fuels Tourism and Economy

Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival

QIANDONGNAN, China, June 10, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

From May 31 to June 2, 2025, the 41st Dragon Boat Cultural Festival was held by the Bureau of Culture, Sports, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism of Zhenyuan County in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Guizhou. Blending traditional charm with modern vitality, the cultural feast offered visitors an unforgettable Dragon Boat Festival experience. Data shows that Zhenyuan County welcomed 253,900 tourists, generating a total tourism revenue of 234 million yuan during the holiday.

This year’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival was packed with excitement and highlights. 53 teams from places such as Hunan and Tongren competed in thrilling races. The event also featured activities such as ethnic parades and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) performances. Visitors not only watched fierce racing on the Wuyang River but also enjoyed diverse ethnic performances, gaining deeper insight into local culture.

“It was spectacular. The cultural atmosphere was rich. There were so many activities that we didn’t know where to look first. It was worth the visit,” said Mr. Zhou, a tourist from Beijing. This year, the tourists can try paddling dragon boats themselves, which enhanced their sense of participation and engagement.

Zhenyuan has a long history of dragon boat racing. In 2011, the tradition was inscribed in the third batch of China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. With the cultural foundation, Zhenyuan’s dragon boat races have become a major attraction for tourists and a powerful cultural asset driving the local economy.

Focusing on the dragon boat races, Zhenyuan has developed a comprehensive tourism chain covering food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. By linking the Zhenyuan Ancient Town with nearby scenic areas such as Tiexi and Gaoguo River, it offers an immersive travel experience that blends dragon boat racing, natural landscapes, local culture, and unique accommodations.

From June to October is Zhenyuan’s peak tourism season. The Dragon Boat Cultural Festival has greatly boosted the local tourism economy, with hotels fully booked and the daily revenue of the catering industry in Zhenyuan increased by 5 to 6 times compared to normal days.

In addition, a series of cultural and tourism activities during the festival provided platforms for the sale of ICH products. Many tourists purchased Miao silver jewelry and Dong embroidery as souvenirs or gifts. Sales of ICH products increased by nearly 40%.

What began as a folk tradition has now evolved into a festival integrating culture, commerce, and tourism. Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival has become a signature symbol of the county, attracting visitors with its unique charm. Leveraging the influence of the dragon boat races, Zhenyuan continues to expand its tourism market and enrich its tourism offerings, driving its tourism industry toward higher quality and greater diversity and achieving a win-win for cultural preservation and economic growth.

Source: Bureau of Culture, Sports, Broadcast-TV, and Tourism of Zhenyuan County, Guizhou Province

Caption: Zhenyuan’s Dragon Boat Cultural Festival

–BERNAMA