200 received, 200 listed, 2 sources ・ Page 2 of 2
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 125 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 75 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Cocalero will launch “Classico” and “Vida,” spring/summer limited-edition labels inspired by the devil masks of Bolivia’s World Heritage “Oruro Carnival,” in April 2025.
Companies mentioned：イントレピッド・スピリッツ・ジャパン株式会社、国分グループ本社株式会社
Yamanashi Prefecture’s Tabayama Village has introduced its own educational concept, “Tabayama-style Gentle Jena,” based on Germany’s “Jena Plan Education.” The village is promoting parent-child rural study programs and encouraging families from the Tokyo metropolitan area to relocate for educational reasons.
Companies mentioned：日本イエナプラン教育協会
株式会社マーケティング研究協会 has announced its seminar schedule for May 2026, with 6 online and in-person lectures on marketing and sales.
Companies mentioned：株式会社マーケティング研究協会、社会産業イノベーション株式会社、ブルーグース合同会社、オフィスまる。、株式会社フォーカスマーケティング、株式会社せんだ兄弟社
OriginalROXXは、サカイ引越センターの全国事業所において、アルバイト採用向けに「Zキャリア AI面接官」の本格導入を開始した。選考期間の短縮と面接工数の半減など顕著な成果を上げている。
Companies mentioned：株式会社ROXX、株式会社サカイ引越センター
INNOCN has announced a new model of its popular Mini LED monitor, the “32M2V.” The biggest upgrade is that the number of local dimming zones has doubled from 1152 to 2304. This significantly improves contrast and image depth, delivering more vivid colors and deeper blacks. The body color has changed from silver to black, and the launch price is 78,590 yen, including tax. The model features a 32-inch 4K display, 160Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDR1000 support, making it suitable for creators, remote workers, and gamers.
Originalスターミュージック・エンタテインメント所属アーティスト「手がクリームパン」の楽曲『本気で恋してたって話』が、ショートドラマアプリ「BUMP」で独占配信されるオリジナルドラマ『ファースト・シュート〜約束の２人〜』の主題歌に決定した。ドラマは2026年3月4日18:00より配信開始。BUMPアプリは総ダウンロード数300万回を超える。主演はDXTEEN大久保波留と牧野羽咲。アーティスト「手がクリームパン」は2020年からTikTokで活動し、2021年12月リリースの「会いたいな」はLINE MUSICリアルタイムランキング2位を獲得。2022年春にはTBSドラマのオープニングテーマを担当し、2025年5月17日にはニッポン放送のパーソナリティーを務めた。
Originalウェスティンホテル東京の広東料理「龍天門」が、2026年5月1日から6月30日までの平日限定で「飲茶アフタヌーンティー“抹茶＆香港ディライツ”」を提供します。このアフタヌーンティーは、セイボリー10品とスイーツ10品、計20種類で構成され、9種類の中国茶やTWGティーがフリーフローで楽しめます。料金は1名あたり8,200円（税・サービス込）で、1日20食限定。オンライン予約と事前決済が必要です。
少数株ドットコム株式会社 will hold an online reading group on the theme of “The DeepSeek Revolution” in early May 2026. Participants will discuss the technological background and international impact of the Chinese-made AI “DeepSeek.”
Companies mentioned：少数株ドットコム株式会社、株式会社piland、ソフトバンク、アクセンチュア
株式会社システムファイブ and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. will hold a free seminar, “Canon: How to Make 3D VR映像 with EOS C50,” in Hanzomon, Tokyo, on Friday, April 24, 2026. In the seminar, Mutsumi Hirose and Mr. Hatakeyama, who is in charge of Canon VR lenses, will explain filming, settings, editing, and monetization strategies for VR video production using Canon’s EOS C50 and RF5.2mm F2.8 L DUAL FISHEYE lens. Participants will have the opportunity to try the equipment, and a purchase benefit for the EOS C50 will be available exclusively on the day of the event. The seminar is intended for a broad audience, from beginners in VR filming to professional video creators, and aims to promote VR content production skills.
The International Business Linkage Organization (IBLO) participated in the Japan-Taiwan Healthy Longevity Forum, held on March 26, 2026, at Sankei Plaza in Otemachi, Tokyo. Its director, Naoyuki Ueda, delivered a guest address. The forum aimed to create and promote “healthy longevity” as a new social value in response to the challenges of aging societies in Japan and Taiwan. Participants discussed sustainable social models by bringing together knowledge in areas including community medicine, preventive care, community care, food culture, and lifestyles. In his address, Director Ueda stressed the importance of “trust” beyond economic growth, the sustainable social foundations created by human connections, and the potential for co-creative partnerships between Japan and Taiwan. He said that relationships of trust across national borders and cultures are the foundation for realizing a “society of healthy longevity.” IBLO plans to continue strengthening cooperation with countries across Asia, including Japan and Taiwan, and accelerate the creation of international collaborative projects. IBLO was established in December 2024 and supports Japanese companies expanding overseas.
Nara City has announced its record one year after establishing the AI Utilization Promotion Division. The use of generative AI reduced workloads by approximately 17,200 hours in the second half of the fiscal year, and the division will be reorganized next fiscal year as the AI and Administrative Reform Promotion Division.
Companies mentioned：デジタル庁
株式会社アールナイン has published a case study on the introduction of recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) at the facility security company サンコウ・トータル・サービス. The service reduced the workload of HR staff with multiple responsibilities and delivered results through services such as conducting first-round interviews.
Companies mentioned：株式会社サンコウ・トータル・サービス
ERPC has released “Epic Shreds Premium,” the top-tier offering for Solana Shredstream. Deployed on the same network as the world’s No. 3 Epics DAO validator, it delivers processing speeds among the fastest available.
Companies mentioned：ELSOUL LABO B.V.、Validators DAO、Epics DAO、DoubleZero、Solana
Deep-tech company H.I.Council has conducted the world’s first 108-qubit calculation of the FeMoCo molecule using an IBM quantum computer. The work clarifies a path toward achieving chemical accuracy as well as the limitations of current hardware (the coherence wall), providing important insights for next-generation quantum computing.
Companies mentioned：IBM、日本化学会、ChemRxiv、Zenodo
株式会社Maneql began airing 2 new TV commercials for “L Step,” an MA tool for LINE Official Accounts, in 5 major metropolitan areas on April 1, 2026. The commercials feature comedy duo Chocolate Planet. The 2 commercials, “L Step New Dance” and “Free Plan,” highlight the features of L Step and the benefits of its free plan.
株式会社NOKYD has launched “Restaurant Growth Tactics,” an SNS customer acquisition service for restaurants that packages the company’s know-how in operating its own restaurant businesses. The service is based on results at the company’s seafood bowl restaurant オ魚ソウル, where a review of its SNS customer acquisition strategy led to a 214% increase in sales and a 199% increase in customer visits compared with the same month a year earlier, within 4 months of opening. Services include creating short SNS videos and original landing pages, SNS advertising support, customer acquisition analysis, and in-person consultations. The service focuses on strategies that drive visits without relying on follower counts. Its distinguishing feature is practical customer acquisition support provided by a team that operates brick-and-mortar restaurants, rather than an advertising agency.
wash-plus Co., Ltd. has launched a demonstration of a water-circulating washing machine that does not discard water at Roadside Station Yoshioka Onsen, in collaboration with 群馬県 and others. The demonstration is part of the “Life Container Project,” which also envisions the machine’s use during disasters.
Companies mentioned：群馬県、吉岡町、株式会社吉岡町振興公社、一般財団法人日本総合研究所、医療・防災産業創生協議会
Kajuan, a fast-growing sweets brand from Fukushima, has released “Echigo Hime Macarons,” made lavishly with Echigo Hime strawberries, an original variety of Niigata Prefecture, exclusively at its CoCoLo Niigata store starting March 25, 2026. In the 1 year since its founding, KAJUAN Co., Ltd. has opened 4 stores nationwide and is offering tourists and business travelers “a new experience that lets them take home a taste of Niigata.” The macarons showcase the distinctive sweetness and aroma of Echigo Hime strawberries and are visually appealing. The company plans to develop souvenir products using ingredients unique to Niigata and expand its lineup of region-exclusive products.
Hollywood Co., Ltd.’s “Soy Pro Beauty” will launch a new flavor made by upcycling out-of-spec Japanese-grown ground cherries, available for a limited season and in limited quantities starting May 22.
Companies mentioned：バディアス農園
Yupiteru has released the 2026 model of its “SUPER CAT” laser and radar detector, which reduces false alerts by up to 95% and is compatible with the statutory speed limit reduction on residential roads to 30km/h starting in September 2026.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ユピテル
Sakai Moving Service Co., Ltd. has decided to expand the use of its “Z Career AI Interviewer” AI interview service, which it has been introducing for part-time hiring, to offices nationwide. A trial launched in eastern Japan in November 2025 confirmed benefits including shorter lead times from application to interview and reduced interview workloads. The company will now establish a system across its nationwide locations allowing applicants to choose between an in-person or AI interview, and is also considering future use for full-time hiring.
The nonprofit organization 桃園 will hold the “桃園 Fresh Green Garden Concert” in the garden of the senior care facility Hagusa 桃園 Main Building on April 29, 2026. The event aims to bring students and older adults together through music and foster connections across generations. It will also give students an opportunity to experience a care setting and deepen their interest in caregiving and welfare.
Shosukabu.com Co., Ltd. will co-host an online reading group on Zoom in late April 2026 with the Nerima Political Study Group and the Civil Division 8 Oversight Committee, focusing on the book “Will Japan Produce an Obama?” The company’s Representative Director and Chairman, Yutaka Yamanaka, is known as an activist investor who has built assets of more than 150 billion yen through investing. Yamanaka previously made 15 shareholder proposals to HOYA Corporation, including a proposal for individual disclosure of executive compensation, and influenced corporate governance reform in Japan. The reading group will discuss differences between the political systems of the United States and Japan, and the conditions needed for new leaders to emerge.
Takehisa Inoue, director of the Curry Research Institute, has posted a new YouTube video introducing the famous restaurant “デリー” and is holding a simultaneous raffle offering 三 lucky winners a place in a spice workshop.
Companies mentioned：株式会社カレー総合研究所、デリー、井上戦略PRコンサルティング事務所
The Japan Weather Association will release the “Heat Acclimatization Front (1st Edition)” on April 9, 2026, indicating when to begin heat acclimatization, or getting the body used to hot weather, as a heatstroke countermeasure. Following the extreme heat of the previous year (2025), the association is urging people to take early action against heatstroke in spring.
Companies mentioned：一般財団法人 日本気象協会
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said unequivocally that the United Kingdom does not support the US plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and will not take part in related actions. He stressed that reopening the strait and restoring international shipping are the UK’s top priorities. Research findings also showed that the Middle East situation could affect Britons’ living standards, with rising energy prices reducing household incomes.
The amount of garbage temporarily stored at the Ji’an Township landfill in Hualien County has fallen to under 200 metric tons. The problem arose because annual maintenance at Taiwan Cement and incinerators in other counties and cities temporarily halted waste transfer operations. The Hualien County Environmental Protection Bureau has resumed transfers and called on townships and cities to strengthen disaster preparedness and environmental cleanup. The county government will continue working with other counties and cities and Taiwan Cement, while promoting diverse waste-disposal measures and source reduction to strengthen the waste management system.
The Taipei New Theater Troupe, led by Li Baochun, will stage Verdi’s opera “Aida” as a newly adapted Peking opera, “Aida’s Love.” The production emphasizes not only love but also “loyalty,” and incorporates Broadway musical elements into traditional Peking opera melodies. Performances will be held at Taipei City Stage on May 23 and 24.
The New Taipei City Government plans to complete the initial inspection by the end of April and report to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, aiming to open the New Taipei Metro Sanying Line in June. The initial inspection committee will meet on the 17th to finalize the inspection schedule. To address noise along the Sanying Line, sound insulation optimization work will be carried out in 13 areas along the route, with areas around schools given priority.
Legislator Lee Chen-hsiu has been expelled from the Taiwan People’s Party, and the Central Election Commission has asked the Legislative Yuan to revoke her status as a legislator under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. As a result, Lee will lose her seat as an at-large legislator, and the vacancy will be filled according to rank on the party’s candidate list.
The National Property Administration under the Ministry of Finance has announced bids for leasehold rights on 10 parcels of national land across the country, including in Taichung, New Taipei and Taoyuan. The total area is 1.59 hectares, and the minimum premium is more than NT$596.44 million. Land in Kaohsiung’s Qianzhen District is located in the core of Asia New Bay Area 2.0 and is suitable for industrial and commercial use. Several parcels that can be used for housing are also included.
The drama “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” starring Korean stars IU and Byeon Woo-seok, has begun streaming on Disney+. In the love story, a chaebol CEO played by IU presses a grand prince played by Byeon Woo-seok into a contract marriage. Byeon said he found IU’s character in the drama “cute” and talked about his own views on romance. One new episode will be released every Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
The 2026 Yilan Green Expo is holding “Medical Professionals Week.” From now through the 19th, medical professionals with a Yilan practice license can enter free of charge. The initiative is intended to thank medical workers for their longstanding dedication and hard work.
Original環境部は、環境影響評価（環評）ライブ配信システムにAIを活用した2つの新機能、文字雲と即時字幕を導入した。これにより、会議の議論の焦点が視覚化され、発言がリアルタイムで字幕化される。環境保護司長の徐淑芷氏によると、文字雲は現在テスト段階で、5月中旬に本格導入予定。このシステムは、手話通訳の代替として情報無障礙を実現する。
NTU Hospital has officially opened a smart learning classroom equipped with immersive projection, VR and an interactive digital learning system. The technology modernizes traditional medical education, allowing students to train in an environment resembling an actual clinical setting. The classroom features a 三-sided panoramic immersive projection system and a 98-inch interactive touchscreen, and supports remote video teaching and real-time connections across classrooms. The initiative marks an important shift toward the digitization, personalization and contextualization of medical education.
The Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs held the “115至116年中小企業榮譽會計師授證典禮暨共識營” to strengthen SMEs’ financial health, appointing 127 honorary accountants. The program has been running since 2014 and has supported more than 26,000 SMEs. In addition to tax and financial experience, the honorary accountants address emerging issues such as carbon emissions surveys and sustainability disclosures, providing services nationwide. The administration said it will continue to improve the program and strengthen financial and business transformation support for SMEs.
The Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage procession entered Taichung on the 13th, drawing large numbers of followers. After some followers parked illegally and disrupted traffic, police fined the offending vehicles up to NT$1200 under the law.
China’s Xiamen Xiang’an Airport is scheduled to open at the end of this year. Kinmen County Councilor Dong Sen-bao said noise and air pollution monitoring, as well as a cross-border environmental impact assessment, are necessary. Kinmen Deputy County Magistrate Li Wen-liang acknowledged the need for environmental monitoring and called on the Environmental Protection Bureau to continue its efforts. The airport is about 3km from Kinmen and about 10km from Kinmen Shangyi Airport, and Kinmen’s airspace is expected to become congested after it opens. The head of the Kinmen County Environmental Protection Bureau said the county secured a budget of 800,000 yuan from the Ministry of Environment and will begin monitoring background noise before the airport opens.
Fubon Guardians pitcher Chen Pin-hung, 21, a left-hander, will make his first start in the Chinese Professional Baseball League’s first team when he faces the Wei Chuan Dragons on April 14, 2026. Chen was selected by the Guardians in the fourth round of the 2024 CPBL draft and made his first-team debut as a reliever on October 8, 2024. The article also lists other CPBL games scheduled for April 14, 2026, including the CTBC Brothers against the TSG Hawks, and standings as of April 13, 2026: Wei Chuan Dragons (first, 7 wins, 3 losses), TSG Hawks (second, 6 wins, 4 losses, 1 tie), Fubon Guardians (third, 5 wins, 4 losses), and CTBC Brothers (fourth, 2 wins, 8 losses).
The Keelung City Government has launched an activity for cruise ship crew members, offering each person a NT$200 cash voucher to encourage local spending and promote Keelung’s tourism appeal around the world. The first round offers more than 1200 spots, with the program to be expanded gradually if successful. StarDream Cruises Vice President of Cruise Business Hsu Mu-jou said the company has more than 110 sailings from Keelung Port each year, with about 1200 crew members on each sailing. The Keelung Department of Cultural Affairs and Tourism said the program will run through September 30, with priority given to crew members on cruise ships that homeport at Keelung Port. The Keelung double-decker sightseeing bus also began operating today, with fares set at NT$500 and discounts available for cruise passengers.
The National Land Management Agency said a proposed amendment to the Urban Renewal Act would make the provision of social housing or housing for families with children a prerequisite for floor-area bonuses, with public benefit subject to strict review. Private organizations voiced concern that relaxing floor-area bonuses would weaken limits on what urban environments can bear, undermine the rule of law in urban planning and overburden public facilities. The agency said it would support privately initiated urban renewal by providing expert assistance and financial aid, strengthening public-private cooperation and aiming to expand the supply of social housing.
Taiwan’s Public Construction Commission released the 2025 performance evaluation results for procurement audit teams. Four ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Environment, and 6 local governments, including Taoyuan City, New Taipei City, Taipei City, Taichung City, Tainan City and Penghu County, received top ratings. The commission said the agencies excelled in the completeness of their records, the quality of audit reports, administrative efficiency, follow-up on corrective measures and the development of mechanisms to resolve problems.
The Taipei City Arts Promotion Office will present artist Hsiung Yu’s special exhibition “如果影子會寫畫” from April 13 to May 17, 2026. Centered on “影子” (shadows), the exhibition encourages visitors to reconsider everyday experiences of light and shadow through painting, installations, animation, text and other forms. Hsiung, a former fashion designer who has published several books on styling, has visited 216 museums and galleries around the world, and this is her 23rd solo exhibition. The exhibition title draws on a concept from the “I Ching,” and works from series including “山海圳綠道” and “我的宇宙儀” will be on display.
The Taiwan North Society criticized KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s remarks about a “cross-strait peace framework” during her visit to China, saying they were empty and lacked a concrete policy foundation. The group said Cheng’s visit produced no results in trade or industrial exchanges and leaned toward political statements. It also firmly opposed any political framework that folds “unification” under the name of “peace,” arguing that only Taiwan’s 23 million people can decide the island’s future.
A research team led by Professor Chen Chia-yuan of National Cheng Kung University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering developed an active bioanalysis platform combining magnetically controlled microrobots with microfluidic biochips. The technology won 2 top awards—a gold medal for invention and a special award—at the 2026 Malaysia MTE International Invention Show. It has been applied to sperm activation in zebrafish, widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, and successfully raised the post-thaw sperm activation rate to more than 80%. The team aims to develop the technology for human medical applications, biomedical testing and drug screening.
A former employee surnamed Wang, who worked for just 1 day at the “滿月甜甜圈” shop, posted false claims on social media that there were mice in the store and that food was expired, and was sued for defamation. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office considered that Wang admitted to the allegations and reached a settlement with the shop, and granted deferred prosecution for 1 year on condition that he pay 700,000 yuan in damages. When hired, Wang had signed the “Employee Relationship Protection Measures,” promising not to criticize the company publicly.
Industrial PC maker Winmate expects military and defense-related business to account for more than 50% of sales this year. Chairman Lu Ku-ching said the military and defense business would be a key growth engine this year amid an increase in defense spending. The company plans to invest in a plant in Thailand and transfer production of lower-priced, high-volume products there. Consolidated revenue in the first quarter reached NT$947 million, up 18.2% year over year and a record high.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said China had demanded that Palau abandon its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but stressed Palau’s right to choose its own diplomatic allies. He said soaring oil prices due to the war in the Middle East were having a “huge impact” on Palauans. 70% of Palau’s electricity comes from diesel power, and diesel prices have doubled. The country also faces the threat of rising sea levels caused by climate change, with some atolls potentially disappearing within a few years. A special climate event is planned at the Pacific Islands Forum in early September, ahead of COP31 in November.
The 2026 Hito Pop Music Awards will be held at Taipei Arena on May 23, with performers including Accusefive, A-Yue Chang, Tarcy Su, Tizzy Bac, icyball, Bai An, Hung Pei-yu and Patrick Brasca, Hit FM Network announced. Tarcy Su will mark her 36th anniversary in music, while A-Yue Chang will attend with his first new album in 12 years, “跟著感覺走.”
Asian stocks broadly fell amid concerns over energy supplies from the Middle East after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Talks between the United States and Iran collapsed, and Trump said the U.S. Navy would blockade the strait and stop ships that pay Iran transit fees. The move dashed hopes of ending the six-week U.S.-Iran war and raised concerns about soaring oil prices and the impact on the global economy.
Shortly after 4 p.m. today, a man around 49 years old was stabbed in the throat with scissors in a building on Songzhu Road in Taichung’s Beitun District and taken to hospital. He responded to voices. The incident is believed to have occurred while officers from Taipei’s Nangang Police Precinct were following up on an investigation in Taichung. Police are investigating the circumstances.
The Philippines on April 13 accused Chinese fishers of dumping cyanide in waters around the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, endangering Filipino soldiers and marine ecosystems. The Philippine National Security Council said the dumping had been occurring around Second Thomas Shoal since last year, killing fish and constituting deliberate sabotage intended to deprive Philippine Navy personnel of a food source. The Philippine Navy said it seized 10 bottles of cyanide from a Chinese fishing boat last year and also reported witnessing Chinese fishermen dump cyanide last month. The Philippines is considering a diplomatic protest, while China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as a “farce.”
The movie Back to the Past will get an extended cut with 24 minutes of additional footage, including family interactions and conversations in Hong Kong-style English. Us in That Photograph will also get a director’s cut with 17 additional minutes. The 2 films will be released or premiere on the 17th and 25th, respectively.
E.SUN Financial Holding posted record profit of more than NT$10 billion in the first quarter of this year, driven mainly by a widening loan-deposit spread and strong performance by its securities, investment trust and venture capital subsidiaries. It is also moving ahead with its integration with Mercuries Life Insurance and library construction under the E.SUN Golden Seed Project.
A 3-year-old child fell from a horse at Taichung Houli Horse Ranch. The operator acknowledged that it had failed to check the age limit for riding experiences, which is 5 to 65, and promised to make improvements. The response at the scene and the safety management system were criticized as inadequate after the accident.
Taiwanese entertainer Xiao S (Hsu Hsi-ti) returned as host of the new show Dee Girl’s Talk, whose premiere episode drew high ratings. Tsai Kang-yung and Lin Chi-ling appeared as guests, with Lin expressing emotional support for Xiao S as she returned after coping with the grief of her older sister Da S’s (Hsu Hsi-yuan’s) death from illness. The appearance was reported to have recreated the atmosphere of the popular former show Kangsi Coming.
Total first-quarter revenue for all listed companies in Taiwan, excluding the financial and insurance industries and Mercuries & Associates Holding, reached NT$12.8807 trillion, up 26.6% year on year. Growth was driven by demand for AI applications and next-generation memory, construction handover revenue and demand for AI servers.
The Taiwan People’s Party expelled legislator Lee Chen-hsiu, saying she had seriously damaged the party’s image by demanding financial compensation in exchange for resigning. The party’s Central Review Committee objected to Lee treating public office as a bargaining chip and decided to expel her effective immediately. Lee will consequently lose her legislative seat, and Hsu Chung-hsin, a law professor at National Cheng Kung University, will succeed her under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.
The Taipei International Auto & Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Show, Taiwan International Smart Mobility Show and Taipei International Automobile Electronics Show will be held from April 14 to 17. Foxconn, TECO, Fortune Electric, Lelon Electronics, E-Lead Electronics and Cub Elecparts are among the companies exhibiting. The displays span AI automotive electronics, hydrogen energy and smart mobility technologies. Foxconn will showcase automotive semiconductors and EV platforms, TECO EV power systems, and Fortune Electric charging station products. Cub Elecparts will focus on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Kuo Hsing-chun received NT$10 million in prize money from the Hodo Foundation. She presented a handmade gold medal to the foundation’s chairman, Lin Hung-tao. Kuo is preparing for the domestic Asian Games selection event on June 6. Despite inconsistent form due to an injury, she is aiming to qualify for the Asian Games. Changes to the women’s weightlifting categories are planned for the Nagoya Asian Games, presenting a new challenge.
The Central Weather Administration said 2 weak fronts will pass from the 15th, and the northeast monsoon will strengthen over the weekend. Temperatures in northern and eastern Taiwan are expected to gradually ease, with brief localized showers. The south and southeast should remain alert for high temperatures of 36 degrees Celsius or higher. Super Typhoon Sinlaku is far from Taiwan and will have no impact.
Taiwan Water Corporation is integrating an AI big-data alert platform, an internationally accredited laboratory and mobile water-quality inspection vehicles to strengthen water-quality monitoring. It plans to buy 10 additional drones this year to improve its land, sea and air patrol capabilities. It will also begin trial operations of AI customer service in June, with a formal launch planned for the end of the year. The measures aim to strictly manage water safety from source to tap.
Taiwan’s National Stabilization Fund posted net earnings of NT$8.054 billion in the first quarter after ending its market-stabilization mission in January. At the end of March, its stock holdings had a market value of NT$3.56 billion, with unrealized capital gains of NT$1.273 billion. The fund said the TAIEX had risen 16% as of April 13, after it suspended its mission, and said its exit had not had a negative impact on the market. With volatile Middle East conditions and rising energy prices increasing inflation risks, the fund said it would continue monitoring domestic and international economic conditions.
Liang Wen-chieh, deputy head of Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, said the Chinese Communist Party’s Taiwan-friendly measures announced after the Zheng-Xi meeting were “old wine in a new bottle” and offered little tangible benefit to Taiwan. He said, however, that they represented a major propaganda and united-front victory for the Chinese Communist Party and had serious implications for Taiwan’s national survival. Liang suggested that KMT chair Cheng Li-wun’s meeting with Xi Jinping and call for a cross-strait peace framework could violate the Act Governing Relations Between the People of Taiwan and the Mainland Area, which prohibits political agreements without government authorization. The head of Taiwan’s National Security Bureau also assessed that a proposal for Kinmen and Xiamen to share a new airport was part of united-front work.
The National Land Management Agency said soil disposal prices in northern Taiwan fell from an average of NT$1,800 in mid-March to NT$1,713 in early April, amid concerns over unusually high disposal costs. It has asked local governments to conduct comprehensive audits of abnormal charges at some soil and aggregate sites and will refer any illegal conduct to the Fair Trade Commission. It is also working to improve the efficiency and stabilize the cost of soil and rock disposal, including by easing soil acceptance standards at Taipei Port and holding briefings in central Taiwan.
Middle East tensions have affected raw material supplies, prompting Japanese bathroom manufacturer TOTO to stop taking new orders for system bathrooms due to a shortage of organic solvents. Supplies of naphtha, a raw material for organic solvents, have been affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. TOTO has not said when it will resume taking orders, and other bathroom manufacturers have also been affected.
President Lai Ching-te will visit Taiwan’s African ally Eswatini on April 22, marking his first visit to Africa during his term. Li Chun, Taiwan’s former representative to the European Union, said the trip would demonstrate not only the strong friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini but also create diplomatic ripple effects in neighboring countries. Taiwan’s concrete contributions in Eswatini would show its value to the international community.
The Taipei City Egg Merchants Association decided to raise egg prices by NT$3 per Taiwan catty this week, bringing the cumulative increase over 2 weeks to NT$6. Association chairman Lin Tian-lai said the increase was mainly due to production adjustments after Tomb-Sweeping Day, with producers cutting output and pushing up market prices.
Revenue for Taiwan’s over-the-counter companies reached NT$320.3 billion in March, up 22% year on year, driven by growth in semiconductors, computers and peripherals, and other electronics industries. Total revenue for the first quarter rose 19% year on year to NT$852 billion. The semiconductor industry benefited from increased demand for high-performance storage and memory, while other electronics companies gained from demand for AI server cooling and higher precious-metal prices. Revenue fell in sports and leisure, textiles and shipping, amid global volatility and intensifying competition.
The collapse of U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks has revived risk aversion, lifting the U.S. dollar index and weakening Asian currencies broadly. The Taiwan dollar fell 5.9 cents against the U.S. dollar today to close at 31.785, ending a 4-day winning streak. Despite Taiwan stocks reaching a record high, foreign investors remained net sellers of NT$16.13 billion and repatriated funds. The central bank said it would stabilize the foreign exchange market to ease imported inflationary pressure.
A detective surnamed Bao with the Ren'ai Precinct of the Nantou County Police Department improperly leaked details of an interrogation while investigating a sexual assault case at a campground last year. The precinct discovered the leak and referred the case for prosecution. Bao was recently indicted on suspicion of leaking a document that must remain confidential but is not related to national defense. The precinct said it would hold him accountable for administrative negligence and hold supervisors at all levels responsible for inadequate oversight, while strengthening internal management and legal education for officers.
Middle Eastern media and political commentators have voiced concern that the U.S. plan to blockade Iran's Gulf ports could push the region to the brink of war. Shipping in the Gulf region has already been rerouted, suggesting serious impacts on the global economy. The U.S. military has deployed the aircraft carriers Ford and Lincoln and is preparing to enforce the blockade. Experts say a prolonged blockade would be difficult and risky given Iran's asymmetric warfare capabilities, and warn that if the conflict escalates, shipping and energy facilities could become targets of retaliation.
Rising energy prices caused by the Middle East war are putting economies in vulnerable countries such as Sri Lanka under strain. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the fund is ready to provide emergency assistance of $20 billion to $50 billion. Higher oil prices have sharply increased import costs and intensified pressure on currencies to depreciate, prompting the IMF to call for swift action to provide a safety net.
Taipei City Councilor You Shu-hui said the city government had made more than 100 study trips to Japan in the past 10 years, spending over NT$50 million, but that some trips had questionable purposes and were not properly implemented. Secretary-General Wang Yu-fen said overseas travel budgets would be carefully reviewed in the future and similar trips consolidated, avoiding trips by individual departments to improve their effectiveness.
Taiwan stocks rose 39.46 points today to close at 35457.29. Foreign investors ended a 4-day buying streak and became net sellers of NT$5.005 billion, mainly selling electronics stocks and ETFs, with UMC topping the list of net sales. At the same time, foreign investors bought Formosa Plastics, Formosa Chemicals & Fibre, Nan Ya Plastics and other petrochemical stocks. The market is watching developments in U.S.-Iran talks and focusing on TSMC's earnings briefing.
Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that, in response to the situation in the Middle East and to stabilize natural gas supplies, 95% of June's supply had been secured and arrangements were being made for supplies from July onward. He also said domestic oil and electricity prices were stable and would remain the lowest in Asia among neighboring countries. The government is also adjusting supply chains for medicines and medical materials to prevent shortages, and will crack down strictly on unjustified price hikes and hoarding.
The Taichung City Land Administration Bureau has begun a 3-month public notice period for unregistered inherited properties for year 115. The properties comprise 4653 parcels of land and 594 buildings, with a total value of about NT$10.98 billion. The bureau urged heirs to promptly apply for inheritance registration during the notice period. Under the Land Act, properties that remain unregistered within 1 year may be managed by the government for 15 years and ultimately transferred to the national treasury.
The Nantou County Youth Development Office will hold the Nantou Youth Exploration! Emerging Talents Music Festival on May 1 at the Nantou County Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Center. Singers Hsu Fu-kai and Lee Chih-ting, along with the band Mango Jump, will perform alongside local school groups. The event will feature a Nantou Burger School food market offering limited-edition specialty burgers and drinks, as well as event merchandise, discount coupons and other giveaways.
Original淡江大橋は5月に開通予定で、交通部公路局は5月12日の正式開通に先立ち、車両載重試験を開始した。この試験は、実車加載と精密機器による測定を通じて、橋梁の構造反応と全体性能を検証する。特に、静的および動的載重試験を実施し、橋梁の撓度、応変、振動、位移などの反応を確認し、設計分析結果との整合性を検証する。世界最長スパンの単一タワー非対称斜張橋であり、国際的に著名な建築家ザハ・ハディッド事務所が設計を手がけた。
Originalドイツ政府は、原油価格高騰に対応するため、短期的な救済措置を決定した。ガソリン・ディーゼル燃料のエネルギー税を2ヶ月間、1リットルあたり約17ユーロセント引き下げ、企業が従業員に最大1000ユーロの免税補助金を支給することを許可する。これにより、国民の負担軽減と企業の支出免税を図る。財政赤字は2026年のタバコ税引き上げや石油企業への「超過利潤税」課税で補填する方針。
Original國家人權博物館は5月に「恐懼下的童年，黑暗中的微光」をテーマに、児童人権教育シリーズ活動を開催する。親子向けに主題書展、創作体験、バイリンガル読書活動を提供し、自由と人権への理解を深める。特に、白色テロ時代の子供たちの視点から描かれた絵本「牆外的牆」の創作沙龍や、政治受難者の詩を基にした立体作品制作ワークショップなどが企画されている。全活動は無料で、参加者には限定絵本やポストカードが贈られる。
A pothole appeared on Ruichun Street in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung, this afternoon. The city government's Public Works Bureau said it had put traffic controls and warning signs in place. No one was injured, and the relevant utility companies had been notified to inspect the site. The exact cause is still being investigated.
Original嘉義市政府は「嘉義市青年創業奨励補助計画」を開始し、総額350万元の補助金を提供する。副市長の陳永豐は、市が青年起業家の「最強の支援者」となると表明した。この計画はこれまで56チームを支援し、累計1400万元を投入、創業チームの存続率は91%に達し、6億元以上の売上を創出した。本年度は1件あたり最高90万元を補助し、4月30日まで申請を受け付ける。
Premier Cho Jung-tai criticized China's announced 10 Taiwan-related measures as another basket of fruit being sent, calling them an illusion that would harm Taiwan's economy. Citing past instances in which China halted economic activities for political reasons, he stressed that Taiwan should respond by expanding into international markets and strengthening its defenses. He also said the government would support domestic industries, including small and medium-sized businesses, and strengthen cooperation with countries that share its principles.
A public hearing on amendments to the Three Experimental Education Acts was held by the Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee, where issues were raised including review and evaluation mechanisms, securing locations, and a lack of support resources. Deputy Education Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien pledged that the ministry would propose further legal amendments next year, as 10 years had passed since the previous revision. Discussions included improving subsidy systems and increasing the proportion of experts to support the development of experimental education.
Taiwanese environmental groups have pointed to rising exports of plastic raw materials despite domestic shortages and urged the government to reduce exports and prioritize supplies for medical materials. According to the Environmental Rights Foundation, exports of ethylene polymers rose 26% year on year in March, particularly to China. The Ministry of Environment said it would promote a plan to reuse recycled bags to ease concerns about the supply and demand of domestic consumer goods. The Environmental Rights Foundation recommended reviewing CPC's production increase policy and asking major manufacturers to reduce exports.
Indonesia's Defense Ministry said Indonesia and the United States are discussing a proposal to allow U.S. military aircraft to fly through Indonesian airspace, but no agreement has been reached. After media reports said the president had approved the proposal, the ministry clarified that it was only an initial draft and still required internal consultation.
The Taiwan People's Party expelled legislator-at-large Li Zhenxiu for violating party discipline. As a result, she will lose her legislative seat effective immediately.
A serious collision between a passenger car and a motorcycle occurred on Provincial Highway 19 in Yanshui District, Tainan, this morning, leaving 2 people dead. A 70-year-old woman surnamed Ding driving the car collided with a motorcycle ridden by a 70-year-old man surnamed Yang. Both were taken to hospital and pronounced dead. Police are investigating the cause; an initial assessment suggests the car hit a guardrail after colliding with the motorcycle.
On April 13, 2026, in the Spring Baseball League, Taiwan Cooperative Bank defeated Chuan Yue Sports 22-3 (game called after 7 innings) to claim its 8th preliminary-round win, behind a 6-inning quality start by pitcher Lin Chih-ying and home runs by Yang Zhenyu and Chen Yihong. In another game, Taipei Xinfufa beat Pingtung Redtail 4-1. Taiwan Cooperative Bank currently leads the group with an 8-1-1 record.
A film talk on Life Is a Sea was held, where Xie Jia-jian praised Wei Junzhan’s acting. Wei perfectly recreated the distinctive accent of Malaysian Chinese, and Xie said he only realized partway through that Wei was Taiwanese. Wei expressed surprise at being called the “biggest Best Actor snub” at the Golden Horse Awards. The film is showing in Taiwan and will open in Malaysia on April 16.
The reconstruction of the Yizhu Fire Brigade, part of the First Battalion of the Chiayi County Fire Bureau, is expected to be completed by the end of April. The new building’s design draws inspiration from the traditional roofs of Yizhu, creating a sloping skyline and incorporating imagery from the pigeon-carrier bamboo basket culture and the fire service phoenix emblem. After inspecting the site, County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang said the building, which combines disaster prevention and recreational functions, will become a new landmark in Yizhu Township. The total cost exceeds NT$70 million.
OriginalNSO國家交響樂團將於5月攜手鋼琴家嚴俊傑展開美國巡演，慶賀「台美人傳統週」。此行不僅是慶祝美國建國250週年的獻禮，更透過音樂凝聚台美情感。巡演將造訪洛杉磯、鳳凰城及紐約，並帶來台灣特色市集，提供「無時差」的台灣文化體驗。演出曲目包含台灣原住民歌謠、台灣旅美作曲家作品及美國作曲家作品，並與美洲原住民笛演奏家合作。
National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said that, in the case involving presidential security personnel accused of stealing a signed baseball, besides the officer surnamed Chiang who has already been referred for prosecution, 2 other Special Service Center personnel were allegedly accomplices and failed to report what they knew. All 3 have now received 2 major demerits, been placed on the priority dismissal list and referred for prosecution. After expanding its investigation, the National Security Bureau initiated legal proceedings and imposed severe penalties on those involved.
European airport operators warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened within 3 weeks, the aviation fuel system will face a systemic shortage, severely affecting air travel and the economy. The war in the Middle East has driven oil prices sharply higher, prompting Ireland to announce tax cuts on gasoline and diesel to ease pressure on household budgets. Southeast Asia is also facing rising food and transportation prices: Grab has raised fuel surcharges on fares, Vietnam Railways has increased ticket prices, and diesel prices in Thailand have hit a record high. The developments show the war’s broad impact on the global economy and people’s livelihoods.
Statistics from the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) show that, buoyed by capacity expansions in advanced logic, memory and AI-related sectors, global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales are projected to reach US$135.1 billion in 2025, a record high and a 15% year-over-year increase. SEMI Chief Marketing Officer Cao Shilun said AI is driving the industry to expand capacity on an unprecedented scale to meet demand for advanced technologies. Asia remains the main spending market, with China, Taiwan and South Korea together accounting for 79% of the global market.
Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu proposed that the armed forces declare their willingness to support US military mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Deputy Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien said the minesweepers lack the tonnage for long-distance voyages and that operational readiness demands around Taiwan are heavy, making the proposal impractical. Asked about the navy’s mine-clearing capabilities, Chief of the General Staff Chu Hui-min replied that the work is “ongoing.”
Artist Huang Hsiang-ting is exhibiting more than 70 works that carry on the brushwork of her late father, ink painter Huang Chun-pi. Around 30 of Huang Chun-pi’s works are also on display, bringing father and daughter into a dialogue through brush and ink across time. Organized by the Baiyun Tang Art Research Association, the exhibition is titled “Baiyun Legacy, Original Heart in Ink: Huang Chun-pi and Huang Hsiang-ting — Taipei Exhibition.” Huang Hsiang-ting’s works feature landscapes and pandas, while Huang Chun-pi’s include small landscape paintings and rare works on paper. The exhibition runs from tomorrow through May 6 at Exhibition Hall 2 of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.
Fatty liver is often overlooked in health checkups, but the Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Association warned that it is closely linked to the risks of cardiovascular disease and liver cancer. Golden Horse Best Actor Anthony Wong serves as a health education ambassador and urged people to seek medical care early. Taiwan Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Association President Kao Chia-hung said metabolic fatty liver is a sign of metabolic imbalance throughout the body and is associated with obesity and diabetes. Having no symptoms does not mean there is no disease, and people with abnormal checkup results are advised to seek medical attention early.
The Maokong Gondola, a Taipei City tourist attraction, will suspend service from April 20 to 24 and from June 8 to 28 for safety maintenance. The work will include the second phase of cable cutting and the annual inspection. Passengers are advised to take note.