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TOKYO, Mar 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE:6703, “OKI”), Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi"), and Hitachi Channel Solutions, Corp. (“Hitachi Channel Solutions”), today announced that we have agreed to enter into an agreement (“Integration Agreement”) regarding the business integration of their automated equipment businesses, including ATMs (“Business Integration”), as well as a shareholders’ agreement regarding the joint venture company established for this Business Integration (“Joint Venture Company”).Pursuant to the Integration Agreement, OKI will transfer its business responsible for the development and production of automated equipment, including ATMs, to Hitachi Channel Solutions - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi - through the Absorption-type Split. Subsequently, OKI will acquire a portion of Hitachi Channel Solutions’ shares, thereby establishing it as a joint venture. The planned ownership ratio of the Joint Venture Company will be 60% for OKI and 40% for Hitachi.Through this Business Integration, we will combine the business foundations - from development to manufacturing - that OKI and Hitachi Channel Solutions have cultivated globally over many years and establish a comprehensive service structure for terminals and branch channels targeting the financial, retail, and transportation markets. We will provide various hardware devices of automated equipment, including ATMs, which are essential social infrastructure, in a more continuous and stable manner. At the same time, we will further enhance our solutions and services that pursue added value for customers and expand our channel business based on additional customer touchpoints. With regard to the sales business for ATM-related equipment and services, we will maintain the existing framework under which OKI, Hitachi, and their respective sales subsidiaries will continue sales activities within their respective companies, as before.Going forward, following approval from the Japan Fair Trade Commission and other relevant authorities, we aim to start operations as the Joint Venture Company from October 1, 2026.Background and ObjectivesAgainst the backdrop of social structural changes such as the spread of cashless payments and the aging population, financial institutions are reevaluating the role of ATMs and branches, while the shift toward contactless operations is accelerating. Consequently, the role of ATMs is undergoing a significant transformation - moving beyond traditional cash transactions to include cardless transactions linked with QR code payments and the payment of various public utility bills - and the industry is entering a period of transformation that demands more advanced ATM functionality.Since developing the first cash-recycling ATM in 1982, OKI has expanded its automated equipment business across a wide range of sectors, including finance, retail, and transportation, contributing to the streamlining of operations involving cash and documents, as well as the improvement of services. Leveraging the strength of the OKI Group’s integrated value chain – from design and development, and manufacturing to installation and construction, maintenance and fully-outsourced ATM operation and monitoring - OKI provides high-value-added, one-stop solutions. In September 2025, OKI approximately doubled production capacity at its overseas manufacturing base, OKI VIET NAM CO., LTD., thereby strengthening OKI’s stable supply system.Hitachi and Hitachi Channel Solutions have been working to enhance services in physical settings, such as ATMs, while leveraging Hitachi Channel Solutions’ technological and development capabilities to support initiatives aimed at branch reform and digital transformation (DX), including the creation of new customer touchpoints such as “contactless” and “self-service” solutions for financial institutions. Furthermore, by utilizing the core technologies cultivated through their ATM business, Hitachi and Hitachi Channel Solutions have expanded their ATM operations globally and expanded their product and service offerings into new fields outside the financial sector.Amid this period of market transformation, the three companies agreed that combining the strengths of OKI and Hitachi Channel Solutions is essential for our customers and society. We have agreed to establish a joint venture with the aim of fulfilling our social responsibility to ensure the continuous and stable supply of ATMs - which remain a vital social infrastructure - while aiming for a shared strategic goal of growth in the global market. Furthermore, in the future, we aim to link the various data obtained from the products and service layers provided by the Joint Venture Company with Hitachi’s Lumada business. Through AI-driven analysis and utilization, we aim to support our customers - including financial institutions - in transforming their operations and creating new services, thereby jointly creating even greater customer value.About the Joint Venture CompanyThe establishment of the Joint Venture Company aims to respond to changes in the environment surrounding automated equipment, including ATMs, and to achieve sustainable business growth both in Japan and overseas. By combining OKI’s and Hitachi Channel Solutions’ expertise in solving on-site challenges, product development technologies, and manufacturing infrastructure, the Joint Venture Company will be able to create high-value-added, highly reliable products. Furthermore, by incorporating an operational framework that includes maintenance and monitoring, the Joint Venture Company will further enhance solutions and services designed to deliver added value to customers.Going forward, the Joint Venture Company plans to provide one-stop services ranging from automated equipment, such as ATMs, to related services.In Japan, the Joint Venture Company will widely provide the high-value-added products and services created to financial institutions, the retail and transportation industries, and customers in new sectors across Japan.Globally, the Joint Venture Company will promote the expansion of its world-class products and solution businesses as the core of its growth strategy. The Joint Venture Company aims to achieve high growth and strengthen its competitiveness in the global market by expanding its footprint into growth markets centered on ASEAN, as well as India and neighboring countries, North America, and MEA (Middle East and Africa), while swiftly responding to the increasingly advanced needs for ATMs, automation, and efficiency in each country.About Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.Founded in 1881, OKI is Japan's leading information and telecommunication manufacturer. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, OKI provides top quality products, technologies, and solutions to customers through its Public Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Component Products, and Electronics Manufacturing Services businesses. Its various business divisions function synergistically to bring to market exciting new products and technologies that meet a wide range of customer needs in various sectors. Visit us at https://www.oki.com/global/.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About Hitachi Channel Solutions, Corp.Hitachi Channel Solutions is committed to realizing a sustainable society under its vision: “Shaping a sustainable future by connecting the real and the digital, people and society with technology and trust.” As a pioneer in ATMs and other financial automation solutions, the company has provided products and services in more than 100 countries and regions, working to improve operational efficiency and service quality for financial institutions. In addition to the financial, retail, public, and transportation sectors, Hitachi Channel Solutions is expanding its business into new fields such as security and healthcare through automation and robotic solutions that leverage its mechatronics technologies. Visit us at www.hitachi-ch.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - March 26, 2026) - Casa Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CASA) (OTCQB: CASXF) (FSE: 0CM) (the "Company" or "Casa") is pleased to announce that it has received a large dataset of historic drill hole information from the Congress Gold Mine Project in Yavapai County, Arizona, USA. Comprehensive desktop technical studies integrating this data with the Company's own 2022 drilling campaign have resulted in the identification and delineation of three distinct priority exploration zones that will form the basis of the 2026 field and drilling program.HIGHLIGHTSReceipt of a large historic drill hole database greatly expanding the geological model for the Congress Gold Mine Project3D modelling of over 100 historic and recent drill holes confirms strong structural integrity and continuity of the gold-bearing vein systemsThree distinct exploration zones classified: Echo Bay Exploration Zone (~750m x 1,000m), Malartic Exploration Zone (~450m x 1,150m), and New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone (~800m x 1,000m)Echo Bay Exploration Zone designated highest priority target based on historic drill density and potential for expanded mineralization envelopeHistoric drill intercepts include highlights such as 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au, 2.0m @ 21.88 g/t Au, 3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au, and 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au within the Echo Bay ZoneCongress Gold Mine Project is fully permitted with excellent road access and proximity to an experienced regional labor forceCompany geologists and field personnel are being mobilized for initial site preparation and drill program setupHISTORIC DRILL DATABASE COMPILATIONCasa Minerals is pleased to announce the receipt of a comprehensive dataset of historic drill hole collars, surveys, and assay records from the Congress Gold Mine Project. This data was compiled from exploration programs conducted by previous operators -- most notably Echo Bay Mines Ltd. -- during the 1980s through the early 1990s. The database encompasses a significant number of drill holes distributed across the project area, substantially expanding the known geological framework of the property.Historic exploration at the Congress Gold Mine was conducted during a period when gold market conditions were materially lower than today's environment, which directly influenced the selection criteria and cut-off grades used by previous operators. Consequently, the historic programs focused predominantly on higher-grade gold intersections, and many lower-grade vein intercepts that may be economically significant at current gold prices were not assigned the same level of analytical priority. Casa believes this creates a meaningful opportunity to reinterpret the mineralization system with a lower economic threshold, logically expanding the dimensions of the mineralization envelope that will be targeted in the forthcoming drilling season.Important Disclosure: The historic drill hole results referenced in this news release were collected and reported by previous operators under practices that predate current NI 43-101 standards. These results are disclosed solely for contextual and geological interpretation purposes. They have not been verified by a current Qualified Person, do not conform to NI 43-101, and are not classified as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the historic results as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and Casa is not treating them as such.THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELLING AND VEIN SYSTEM VALIDATIONDesktop technical studies have included rigorous 3D modelling of all available drill hole data using industry-standard geological modelling software. The resulting three-dimensional representation of the drill hole database, illustrated in Figure A below, demonstrates the remarkable density of historic drill coverage across the project and confirms the structural coherence and continuity of the principal gold-bearing vein systems.The 3D model was constructed using NAD83 / UTM Zone 12N coordinates and captures drill holes ranging from surface to depths approaching 600 metres below ground elevation. The model reveals that:The dominant vein systems exhibit strong northeast-southwest structural orientation, consistent with the principal fault architecture identified on surfaceThe alignment and attitude of vein structures intercepted in the Company's 2022 confirmatory drilling campaign correlate with high fidelity to those projected from the historic drill hole database, validating the overall geological modelThe 2022 drilling campaign identified additional vein structures not captured in the historic database, indicating that the current geological model is likely incomplete and that the total mineralized footprint may be materially larger than previously understoodIncorporating lower-grade vein intercepts -- previously deprioritized by historic operators under lower gold price conditions -- into the mineralization envelope substantially increases the aggregate target volume for future drillingFigure A: Four-panel 3D presentation of historic and recent drill hole collars and traces, Congress Gold Mine Project. Views from west (upper left), east (upper right), oblique (lower left), and plan (lower right). Coordinate system: NAD83 / UTM Zone 12N. The high density of drill traces illustrates the extensive historic exploration coverage across the project area. Pink/magenta traces represent historic drill holes; black traces represent more recent drilling. Purple lines denote projected vein orientations.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_001full.jpgTHREE PRIORITY EXPLORATION ZONES -- 2026 PROGRAM BASISDetailed integration of the historic drill database with geological mapping, vein system mapping conducted in 2022, and structural interpretation has enabled Casa to formally classify three distinct priority exploration zones within the Congress Gold Mine Project. The classification of each zone reflects the combination of historic drill density, vein system geometry, and the nature of the gold mineralization documented to date. Figures 1 through 4 present these zones in their regional and local contexts.Figure 1: Regional overview map of the Congress Gold Mine Project showing principal vein systems (red dashed), fault corridors (blue dashed), shaft locations (Shafts 1 through 6), historic stope outlines (yellow, 1959-1987), patented claim and BLM claim outlines, and the location of the three principal exploration zones. The project is situated in Yavapai County, Arizona.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_002full.jpgEcho Bay Exploration Zone -- Highest Priority TargetThe Echo Bay Exploration Zone, measuring approximately 750 metres by 1,000 metres, is the largest and most intensively drilled zone on the property. It encompasses the historic non-NI 43-101 resource outline that was previously defined by Echo Bay Mines and represents the core of the historic gold-producing system at Congress. The zone is bounded by the principal northeast-trending veining corridors and is cut by northwest-trending fault structures that locally displace but do not terminate the mineralized vein arrays.As illustrated in Figure 2, the Echo Bay Exploration Zone hosts a dense cluster of historic drill hole intercepts distributed across the full extent of the zone. The drill hole collars and assay intercepts depicted in the figure provide compelling evidence for broad, zone-scale gold mineralization. Notably, the higher-grade intercepts are concentrated along the principal vein corridors while lower-grade disseminated and stockwork gold is documented in the intervening ground. This spatial distribution is characteristic of orogenic gold systems and is consistent with the geological setting at Congress.Selected historic drill intercepts within the Echo Bay Exploration Zone include:1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au -- exceptional high-grade intercept within the principal vein corridor3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au -- high-grade intercept demonstrating vein width and continuity2.0m @ 21.88 g/t Au -- high-grade vein intercept in the central portion of the zone2.4m @ 19.03 g/t Au -- confirming strong grade continuity along strike11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au -- broad, elevated-grade intercept indicative of wide mineralization envelopes within the vein system1.5m @ 15.28 g/t Au -- demonstrating high-grade vein core and broader lower-grade haloes2.0m @ 12.19 g/t Au and 7.3m @ 11.00 g/t Au -- further confirming grade and continuity of the principal vein arrays3.1m @ 11.19 g/t Au and 2.0m @ 15.63 g/t Au -- documented in the southwestern portion of the zone, indicating lateral continuityGiven the historic drill density, the documented grade profile, and the alignment of the 2022 confirmatory drilling with the historic vein model, the Echo Bay Exploration Zone has been assigned the highest exploration priority for the 2026 program. The Company views the zone as offering the clearest near-term pathway to NI 43-101 resource delineation.Figure 2: Detailed plan map of the Echo Bay Exploration Zone (~750m x 1,000m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are historic drill hole intercepts (brown dots annotated with interval length in metres and gold grade in g/t), principal vein system traces (red dashed), fault corridors (blue dashed), historic stope outlines (yellow), shaft locations, and the historic non-NI 43-101 resource outline (red hatch). Selected intercepts include 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t Au, 3.3m @ 27.13 g/t Au, 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t Au, and 2.4m @ 19.03 g/t Au, among numerous others. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_003full.jpgMalartic Exploration ZoneThe Malartic Exploration Zone covers an area of approximately 450 metres by 1,150 metres and is situated to the south and southeast of the Echo Bay Exploration Zone. The zone is named after the "Malartic-style" stratabound and vein-hosted gold mineralization that has been documented in this area of the project. Historic shaft locations CGC-003 and CGC-004 are located within this zone, providing direct underground access for potential future development.The Malartic Exploration Zone is characterized by multiple subparallel northwest-striking vein sets that have been intercepted in a series of shallow to moderate-depth drill holes. The vein system includes documented vein widths of 27 feet, 38 feet, and 55 feet (as labelled on Figure 3), indicating substantial structural corridors capable of hosting economically significant gold mineralization.Representative historic drill intercepts within the Malartic Exploration Zone include:3.6m @ 0.74 g/t Au and 10.3m @ 1.73 g/t Au -- broad lower-grade intercepts within the principal vein corridor demonstrating wide mineralization envelopes10.36m @ 1.41 g/t Au and 8.1m @ 3.53 g/t Au -- moderate-grade intercepts confirming continuity of the vein arrays7.7 @ 3.56 g/t Au and 8.1m @ 2.53 g/t Au -- further demonstrating consistent grade within vein-hosted mineralization3.2m @ 7.72 g/t Au and 2.8m @ 9.41 g/t Au -- higher-grade intercepts at the northern margin of the zone (shared boundary with the Echo Bay Zone)The Malartic Exploration Zone is relatively underexplored compared to the Echo Bay Zone, and the relatively sparse drill coverage suggests significant upside potential for zone expansion with systematic drilling.Figure 3: Detailed plan map of the Malartic Exploration Zone (~450m x 1,150m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are historic drill hole intercepts (annotated with gold values), principal vein system traces, shaft locations including CGC-003 and CGC-004, historic stope outlines, and documented vein widths of 8.2m, 11.6m, and 16.8m.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_004full.jpgNew Congress Niagara Exploration ZoneThe New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone, measuring approximately 800 metres by 1,000 metres, is the northernmost of the three classified exploration zones and is situated along a structurally distinct corridor characterized by the northwest-striking New Congress-Niagara fault system. This zone encompasses historic Shaft 1 as well as drill holes CGC-008, CGC-009, and CGC-010 from the Company's 2022 exploration program.The 2022 drilling in this zone identified four discrete veins with widths ranging from 49.5 feet to 206 feet -- a notably wide structural corridor. These widths are illustrated in Figure 4 as Vein 49.5 ft, Vein 55 ft, Vein 70.5 ft, and Vein 206 ft. The scale of these structural features highlights the potential for significant bulk-tonnage style mineralization within this zone, distinct from the higher-grade but narrower veins documented in the Echo Bay Zone.Critically, the 2022 drilling at the New Congress Niagara Zone identified several vein structures that are not represented in the historic drill database, reinforcing the Company's view that the existing geological model incompletely captures the full scope of the vein system. This structural incompleteness, combined with the relatively limited historic drill coverage of this zone, underscores its exploration potential.Figure 4: Detailed plan map of the New Congress Niagara Exploration Zone (~800m x 1,000m), Congress Gold Mine Project. Shown are drill hole locations from the 2022 exploration program (CGC-008, CGC-009, CGC-010) alongside Shaft 1, with identified vein widths of 49.5 ft, 55 ft, 70.5 ft, and 206 ft. The purple outline denotes the exploration zone boundary.To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1750/290037_3e63fd76341e7b14_005full.jpgPROJECT STATUS AND 2026 FIELD PROGRAMThe Congress Gold Mine Project is fully permitted for exploration and mining activities in Yavapai County, Arizona. The property benefits from:Fully permitted status: All necessary exploration and access permits are in place, enabling rapid mobilization of field crews and drilling equipmentExcellent road access: Paved and maintained road access to the property boundary facilitates cost-effective equipment and supply logisticsExperienced regional labor force: The Yavapai County region has a well-established mining and exploration workforce with proven experience in gold exploration projects of this typeInfrastructure: Existing shaft infrastructure and historic workings provide geological reference points and potential future development opportunitiesThe Company is currently mobilizing a team of geologists and field personnel to the Congress Gold Mine Project for initial site preparation, geological review, and establishment of the field infrastructure required for the 2026 drilling program. Detailed drill program parameters, including planned hole locations, depths, and targeting rationale, will be provided in a subsequent technical news release.MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY"The receipt of this historic drill database is a genuinely significant development for Casa Minerals," stated Farshad Shirvani, President and CEO. "For the first time, we now have a comprehensive view of the full scope of historic exploration at Congress, and what we see is highly encouraging. The 3D model clearly validates our 2022 findings and demonstrates that the gold system is both continuous and larger than historic estimates suggested. With gold trading at current levels, the lower-grade vein intercepts that were historically deprioritized now become compelling exploration targets in their own right. The Echo Bay Zone, with intercepts like 1.2m @ 43.88 g/t and 11.4m @ 4.81 g/t, gives us a very strong foundation from which to build a modern NI 43-101 resource. We are mobilizing our team and look forward to reporting our first drill results from the 2026 season."QUALIFIED PERSONMr. Erik Ostensoe, P.Geo., a Director and Chief Geologist of the Company, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release.ABOUT CASA MINERALS INC.Casa Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on gold, copper, and strategic minerals exploration in North America. The Company holds a 90% interest in the historic Congress Gold Mine in Arizona and is advancing multiple projects in British Columbia, including the Arsenault copper-gold-silver project. Casa's experienced management team is committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery and development of economic mineral deposits. For more information, please visit: www.casaminerals.comON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSFarshad Shirvani, M.Sc. GeologyPresident, CEO and DirectorFor more information, please contact:Casa Minerals Inc.Farshad Shirvani, President & CEOPhone: (604) 678-9587Email: contact@casaminerals.comCAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's exploration plans and programs for 2026; anticipated drilling activities at the Congress Gold Mine Project; the classification and prioritization of exploration zones; expectations regarding resource definition and the potential to advance the project to NI 43-101 compliant standards; interpretations of historic drill data and 3D geological models; mineralization potential and domain expansion; and mobilization of field personnel. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is made and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. Such factors include, without limitation: uncertainties regarding exploration results; risks related to the accuracy and completeness of historic data; the inability to verify historic assay results; variations in mineralization and grade; the speculative nature of mineral exploration; challenges in obtaining required permits and approvals; fluctuations in commodity prices; availability of financing; changes in economic and market conditions; environmental and regulatory risks; operating hazards; and other risks inherent in the mineral exploration industry. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290037 Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

TOKYO, Japan, Mar 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Rail announced that it will manufacture rolling stock for a new restaurant train, Fine Dining Train “vies,” in which SEIBU RAILWAY Co.,Ltd. is participating. The train is scheduled to begin operations in March 2028, and the train name and logo design have now been finalized.Realising a premium travel experience through rolling stock manufacturingDrawing on the technologies and expertise it has cultivated through the design and manufacture of railway rolling stock, Hitachi will be responsible for manufacturing the vehicles for this train. Fine Dining Train “vies” builds upon and further develops the concept established by “ Fifty Two Seats of Happiness ,” Seibu Railway’s full - course restaurant train that has been in operation since 2016, with the aim of delivering a more refined and exclusive space and dining experience. The train will be newly designed and manufactured based on the Seibu Railway flagship limited express train “Laview,” which was manufactured by Hitachi and debuted in 2019. Hitachi will apply to this project the technical know - how it has gained through the development and manufacture of Laview, including the creation of open and spacious interiors enabled by large windows, design philosophies that harmonize with surrounding landscapes, and technologies that realize a comfortable travel environment. In addition, Hitachi’s contribution extends beyond vehicle manufacturing alone. By leveraging its expertise in control and system technologies that support safe, stable operation and passenger comfort, Hitachi will help realize a travel experience in which dining and space are integrated at a high level. Through the creation of a premium travel environment that ensures safety and comfort while supporting “ quality time shared with someone special ,” Hitachi will continue to deliver new value.Key informationTrain Name: Fine Dining Train “vies”Planned Start of Operations: March 2028Rolling Stock Manufacturer: Hitachi RailNaming Development: Toshiyuki Konishi (POOL inc.)Logo Design: Hideyuki Tanno (POOL DESIGN inc.)Naming conceptFine Dining Train “vies” “Vie” means “life” or “living” in French. The name reflects respect for nature —an important value long cherished in Japan, where food is regarded as receiving life —while expressing the desire to enrich the lives of each passenger. The plural form “vies” was chosen to represent this idea. When read in reverse, “vies” reads as “Seibu,” creating a subtle narrative connection. Together with the subtitle “Fine Dining Train,” the name expresses a special dining stage where multiple lives meet and resonate through a refined culinary experience.Logo design conceptThe organic curve of the letter “s” and the underline extending from it represent the train’s distinctive form. The word “vie,” meaning “life,” “living,” and “vitality” in French, is incorporated into the design, symbolizing both rich cuisine and the passengers themselves. Rather than speed or efficiency, the logo embodies a leisurely and indulgent experience, creating a space that gently envelops its guests. The underline extending from right to left subtly alludes to the reverse reading of “vies” as “Seibu.”Seibu Railway’s restaurant trainHitachi has supported Seibu Railway’s restaurant train initiative through close collaboration with the company, including “Fifty Two Seats of Happiness ,” which has been in operation as a full - service restaurant train since April 17, 2016, following the refurbishment of Seibu Railway’s 4000 series rolling stock. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma , the exterior and interior of the train are inspired by Chichibu , one of the region’s most prominent tourist destinations. The exterior dynamically incorporates motifs of the Arakawa River flowing through the natural landscape, while the interior features traditional Chichibu Meisen textiles and l ocally sourced Nishikawa timber . The train operates mainly on weekends and holidays between Ikebukuro / Seibu - Shinjuku and Seibu - Chichibu stations, and is scheduled to mark its 10th anniversary in April 2026 .Seibu Railway 001 series limited express train “Laview”Hitachi manufactured the Seibu Railway 001 series limited express train “Laview,” positioned as Seibu Railway’s flagship train for the future, which debuted on March 16, 2019 . The name “Laview” combines the concepts of “L” for a luxurious living -like space, “a” for arrow -like speed, and “view” for the expansive scenery visible through its large windows . The train embodies the aspiration to provide passengers with an enjoyable limited express journey that gently blends into both urban and natural landscapes.About Hitachi RailHitachi Rail is committed to driving the transition to sustainable mobility and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer, and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, smooth , and sustainable transportation.With a turnover of more than €7 billion and 24,000 employees in more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a reliable partner for the world's best transport companies. The company's presence is global, but the company is local, with success based on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. Its international expertise and experience covers every part of urban ecosystems, main lines and freight railways, from high - quality production and maintenance of rolling stock to digital signalling, payment systems and smart operations. Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high -speed train, leverages the digital and artificial intelligence expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies.For more information, visit the hitachirail.comAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY 2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com