72 received, 72 listed, 2 sources
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 53 items from 1 source; Japan, 19 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Rakuten Monkeys' 20-year-old rookie He Pinshirong hit the first home run of his career, a grand slam, becoming the youngest player ever to do so and helping the team end a 3-game losing streak.
Companies mentioned：樂天桃猿 (楽天モンキーズ)、台鋼雄鷹 (台鋼ホークス)、中華職棒 (CPBL)
With TSMC setting up operations in Kumamoto, Japan, exchanges between Taiwan and Japan are growing. The Taiwan International Culinary Innovation Association established its Kumamoto chapter today at the Kumamoto Taiwan-Japan Hall, with about 160 Taiwanese and Japanese political and business figures and Kumamon in attendance. The association focuses on “healthy eating and sustainable dining,” hoping to deepen Taiwan-Japan ties through food and promote Japanese agricultural products in the Taiwan market. The Kumamoto governor praised Taiwan’s banquet culture and said he hopes food will deepen mutual understanding.
Lee Hao-Yu, the “Taiwanese powerhouse” in the MLB Tigers’ farm system, is expected to be called up to the majors. If he plays, he will become Taiwan’s 19th major leaguer.
Companies mentioned：底特律老虎隊 (デトロイト・タイガース)、波士頓紅襪隊 (ボストン・レッドソックス)、費城費城人隊 (フィラデルフィア・フィリーズ)
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Ikazuchi passed through the Taiwan Strait. China strongly protested and voiced concern, but experts say the move demonstrated the “freedom of navigation” in international waters.
Iran announced that it would fully open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels during the ceasefire. Easing supply concerns, the announcement sent crude oil prices plunging more than 10% and lifted U.S. stocks.
According to the latest IMF data, India’s nominal GDP has fallen to 6th place globally, affected by the weakening rupee. The economy itself continues to grow, but rising oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East and a stronger dollar have contributed to the currency’s decline.
Companies mentioned：国際通貨基金 (IMF)
A law banning violence against children was passed in France in 2019, but a latest survey found that approximately 80% of parents still use psychological violence and more than 30% use physical violence.
Companies mentioned：兒童基金會 (Fondation pour l'Enfance)、解放報 (Libération)、費加洛報 (Le Figaro)、法國新聞台 (franceinfo)
Disney’s Marvel Studios released the first trailer for the latest Avengers film, “Avengers: Doomsday.” Robert Downey Jr. returns as the villain Doctor Doom, while Chris Evans reprises his role as Captain America. The trailer also features heroes including Gambit and Shang-Chi, and Patrick Stewart’s Professor X issues a warning. The film is scheduled to open in the United States on Dec. 18.
Shipping tracker Kpler reported that 3 Iranian oil tankers carrying a total of 5 million barrels of crude oil have transited the Strait of Hormuz. It is the first time fully loaded tankers have left the Persian Gulf since the US blockade took effect. All 3 tankers are under US sanctions. They loaded crude at Iran’s Kharg Island between April 2 and 9 and transited the Strait of Hormuz on April 15. The United States and Israel launched military action against Iran on Feb. 28, then agreed to a ceasefire. The US military began blockading Iranian ports on April 13.
The Taiwan Lottery Daily Cash 539 draw No. 115095 was held, with winning numbers 07, 26, 02, 01 and 16. There was no first-prize winner. A total of 207 tickets won second prize, with NT$20,000 per ticket. The Three-Star winning number was 134, with 78 first-prize winners; the Four-Star winning number was 3603, with 12 first-prize winners. The winning numbers officially announced by Taiwan Lottery Co. are final.
The results of Taiwan lottery Draw No. 115045 of “大樂透” were announced, with no winners of the 1st or 2nd prizes.
Companies mentioned：台灣彩券 (台彩)
The United States and the Philippines signed an agreement to build a high-tech manufacturing center on Luzon. The project is part of the Trump administration’s policy to weaken China’s control of supply chains.
Companies mentioned：CSIS
The fishing vessel 全漁6號, registered in Keelung, Taiwan, caught fire near the Diaoyutai Islands. China’s Coast Guard carried out a rescue and saved 6 people, but the Taiwanese captain is missing.
Companies mentioned：中國海警局、海巡署、日本第11管區海上保安本部
中信兄弟 came from behind to beat the Wei Chuan Dragons 5-3, earning their first comeback win of the season. Reaching 3 wins in their 13th game ties the latest such mark in the team’s history.
Companies mentioned：中信兄弟、味全龍、富邦悍將
A glitch was suspected in New Taipei City’s online reporting system after another person’s personal information appeared on screen. Police deemed it an isolated technical error and have temporarily suspended the system for inspection.
Companies mentioned：新北市政府警察局、台湾民衆党
Iran announced that it would fully open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels during the Lebanon ceasefire. Former U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the move, and oil prices plunged.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recited an altered Bible verse during a prayer service at the Pentagon, but it emerged that the lines were actually fictional dialogue from the film “Pulp Fiction,” sparking widespread discussion.
Companies mentioned：綜藝 (Variety)、五角大廈 (ペンタゴン)
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said water resources were not being wasted after 台北翡翠水庫管理局 announced plans to stop providing emergency electricity to Taiwan Power Company.
Companies mentioned：台灣電力公司 (台電)、台北翡翠水庫管理局、經濟部
Original路透社報道，中國正利用台灣在地聲音，透過抖音、YouTube等平台對台發動資訊戰，目標是抹黑台灣政府並削弱台灣戰力。
Companies mentioned：抖音、YouTube、臉書、TikTok、中央社、國民黨、民進黨、中國共產黨
Ko Wen-je campaigned on the streets of Taichung with a city council candidate. He spent a busy day traveling from Fengyuan Market to Feng Chia Night Market, meeting local residents and urging them to support the candidate.
Companies mentioned：台灣民眾黨
台湾豫劇団 staged its new historical Yuju opera “東窗謀計.” Director Wang Youhui said he drew inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” using Qin Hui and his wife as analogues for the Macbeths in an effort to engage in dialogue with the classics.
Companies mentioned：台湾豫劇団
Semiconductor packaging company 同欣電 said its Philippine subsidiary, TONG HSING ELECTRONICS PHILS. INC., will increase its capital by approximately 97.76 million Philippine pesos (about 51.54 million yuan).
Companies mentioned：同欣電、TONG HSING ELECTRONICS PHILS. INC.
A suspected mass food poisoning incident involving students living on campus at Taiwan College of Performing Arts has left 53 students feeling unwell. The school has temporarily suspended the restaurant and will disinfect it again on the 19th.
“我愛你、再見,” the ending theme for the film “死亡賭局,” composed and written by actor Huang Qibin and performed by Chun Feng, is now available digitally. Chun Feng said he was hooked on the song’s highly catchy melody.
The Thai subsidiary of Taiwanese PCB giant 臻鼎-KY acquired operating machinery and equipment from SHINBU CORPORATION for approximately NT$1.102 billion.
Companies mentioned：臻鼎-KY、PENG SHEN TECHNOLOGY (THAILAND) CO., LTD.、SHINBU CORPORATION、鵬鼎控股、泰國協成昌集團
Originalエストニア警察は、1600人以上の青少年がオンラインでサイバー攻撃サービスを注文したことを特定。13人の学童が刑事事件の容疑者として召喚・調査されている。
Taiwan’s Mazu pilgrimage has drawn hundreds of thousands of people and sparked a new consumer boom dubbed the “pilgrimage economy.”
Companies mentioned：全聯 (PX Mart)、7-ELEVEN、PChome 24h購物、黒猫宅急便
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Ikazuchi transited the Taiwan Strait today, marking the first time an MSDF vessel has crossed the waters since Chinese backlash over remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last November, about 10 months ago. The move is seen as reaffirming Japan’s position on the international-law principle of freedom of navigation while it promotes dialogue and seeks to improve relations. The Japanese government was more cautious in choosing the timing, mindful of China’s earlier backlash over the remarks. The vessel will head south to take part in joint US-Philippine military exercises. China’s Foreign Ministry has protested.
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks pitcher Hsu Jo-hsi made his 3rd career NPB start today, giving up 2 homers and 7 earned runs in just 1.2 innings, the worst outing of his career in Japan. The Hawks lost 13-4 to the Orix Buffaloes, and Hsu took the 2nd loss of his career. After the game, he said he felt sorry to the team.
The Taiwan Lottery Lotto draw No. 115045 was held tonight, with winning numbers 40, 22, 45, 07, 11 and 10. The bonus number was 18.
Review of Hualien County’s fiscal year 115 general budget has been delayed, and the county government has asked the Ministry of the Interior to approve it under the Local Government Act. The ministry said it will bring together the county government, council and relevant agencies for talks within the 1-month statutory negotiation period to resolve differences and build consensus.
蘇巧慧, the incumbent chair of the New Taipei City chapter of the Democratic Progressive Party, was the only person to register in the election and is set to be reelected unopposed.
Companies mentioned：民主進步黨
As the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage returns, major traffic controls will be imposed in the Yuanli and Tongxiao areas of Miaoli County on April 19 and 20.
Companies mentioned：台湾鉄路公司、台湾高鐵公司
As scams involving AI-generated deepfakes and other techniques grow more sophisticated, Trend Micro unveiled its new brand, “TrendLife,” positioning the “home” as a new hub for cybersecurity protection.
Companies mentioned：トレンドマイクロ (趨勢科技)
The winning numbers were announced for Taiwan lottery Draw No. 115095 of “今彩539,” as well as the Three-Star and Four-Star games.
Companies mentioned：台灣彩券 (台湾宝くじ)
富崴能源, a subsidiary of 森崴能源, applied for additional funding for the 2nd phase of an offshore wind power project, and Taiwan Power Company approved a payment of approximately NT$5.55 billion.
Companies mentioned：富崴能源、森崴能源、台灣電力公司 (台電)、正崴、永崴投控、行政院公共工程委員會
Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson failed a national security vetting process, it emerged, renewing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed him, to resign.
Companies mentioned：イギリス政府、ガーディアン紙、イギリス保守党、イギリス労働党
Myanmar authorities reduced the prison sentence of detained Aung San Suu Kyi. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for her immediate and unconditional release.
Companies mentioned：聯合國、中央社、法新社、路透社
The Yilan Branch successfully photographed a Formosan black bear in the Cilan Mountain area for the first time. It is the first record from cameras installed since 104年, and the bear is believed to have moved from the Central Mountain Range. Hikers are being urged to exercise caution.
Companies mentioned：農業部林業及自然保育署宜蘭分署
Original日本の海上自衛隊の護衛艦「いかづち」が台湾海峡を通過した。中国外務省は強く抗議し、中国人民解放軍は全程で追跡・監視を行ったと発表した。
Companies mentioned：海上自衛隊、中国人民解放軍、中国外交部、フィリピン軍
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Companies mentioned：高雄市政府
The “遙視” exhibition is being held at 北師美術館. Exploring the distance between images and reality, it examines topics including psychological experiments from the early 20th century and modern surveillance technology, and asks how truth can be distinguished in images.
Companies mentioned：北師美術館、國家文化藝術基金會
Taiwan’s Supreme Prosecutors Office published a new book on legal methodology. Prosecutor-General Hsing Tai-chao likened it to the “Nine Yang Manual,” a secret text from martial arts fiction, for legal professionals.
Companies mentioned：最高檢察署、商周出版
Japanese band Billyrrom arrived in Taiwan for a performance. Having visited last year as well, the band recounted its shocking experience of trying instant noodles flavored with stinky tofu, a gift from 溫蒂漫歩.
Companies mentioned：Billyrrom、溫蒂漫步
The pre-opening event for the Danjiang Bridge, “淡水八里．橋見未來,” was held on April 17, drawing more than 10,000 people. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi, KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Chuan, and DPP New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui attended together to celebrate the completion of the bridge, which is set to become a new landmark for Taiwan. Designed by internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Danjiang Bridge is scheduled to officially open on May 12. It was completed through 40 years of cooperation between central and local governments.
The Middle East conflict is driving up energy prices and dealing a double blow to Thailand’s economy. In March, foreign investors made a large-scale retreat from Thailand’s stock and bond markets. Thailand relies heavily on oil and natural gas from the Middle East, and if the conflict drags on and crude oil prices exceed $100, the country risks stagflation. Key industries, including manufacturing, exports, tourism and real estate, are also under pressure.
Wu Pei-yi, a legislator, was the sole candidate to register in the election for chair of the 民進党 Taipei City chapter. Her pledges include reforming party affairs, bringing in younger voices and strengthening ties with local communities.
Companies mentioned：民進党
味全龍隊’s Lee Kai-wei was the latest to record his first stolen base of the season, but he is more concerned with regaining his plate discipline. He has hit safely in 3 straight games recently, with his batting average rebounding to 1成85 and his career stolen-base tally reaching 96, signs that his hitting mechanics are gradually improving.
Companies mentioned：味全龍隊
A research institute report says AI glasses are becoming an extension of smartphones, with shipments expected to reach 16.1 million units in 2026, a 72% annual increase.
Companies mentioned：Meta、Google、字節跳動、阿里巴巴、蘋果、三星、小米、華為
Customs officials and prosecutors in Kinmen County arrested and detained a man who allegedly tried to smuggle approximately 5 kg of ketamine precursor (linone) using the “小三通” route.
Companies mentioned：金門地検署、財政部関務署高雄関、法務部調査局福建省調査処
中信 Brothers young pitcher Chien Ke-lun has impressed with scoreless pitching since making his first-team debut, following his experience in Mexico.
Companies mentioned：中信兄弟隊 (CTBC Brothers)、台鋼雄鷹隊 (TSG Hawks)、樂天桃猿 (Rakuten Monkeys)
A subsidiary of Taiwanese contract manufacturing giant Wistron purchased a factory in Fremont, California, for US$61 million.
Companies mentioned：緯創 (Wistron)、WisLab EMS Corporation
Semiconductor polishing pad and consumables maker 頌勝 is scheduled to list on May 7. Its provisional trading price is NT$258, and the auction floor price is NT$215.
Companies mentioned：頌勝
Marutto Honpo Junk Removal, operated by SYSTR株式会社, is running an April campaign exclusively for people who have quit fishing in Edogawa Ward.
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
SYSTR株式会社’s junk removal service まるっと本舗 will begin offering a plan in April to collect all belongings from parents’ homes in Itabashi Ward only.
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社、まるっと本舗
まるっと本舗 junk removal will offer its “Retro Hobby Clear-Out Plan” in Suginami Ward only in April. Boomboxes and old appliances can be disposed of together.
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
SYSTR株式会社’s まるっと本舗 junk removal service will run its “Move On from Late-Night Impulse-Bought Interior Decor” campaign in Shinjuku Ward only in April. Unwanted lights and miscellaneous items will be collected together.
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
Tokyo Reimen’s Akihabara location will end serving curry cold noodles for the season on April 17. They are set to return in the fall and winter season.
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
A service operated by SYSTR株式会社 will begin offering an on-site plan in Saitama Prefecture after Golden Week in May to safely collect swollen batteries from warehouses and garages (7,700 yen).
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
OriginalSYSTR株式会社が千葉県でGW明けの5月に、自治体で回収不可のリチウムイオン電池など膨張バッテリーの安全回収サービスを提供する。
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
OriginalSYSTR株式会社が、立川・八王子・町田など多摩地域でGW明けの5月に膨張バッテリーの出張回収（7,700円）を実施する。
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
OriginalSYSTR株式会社は、東京23区で自治体回収不可の膨張・発熱したリチウムイオン電池を出張費5,500円で安全に回収・適正処分するサービスを5月のGW明けから開始する。
Companies mentioned：SYSTR株式会社
The company behind QUICK CHECK, an AI security questionnaire response support service, announced that it has revamped its proprietary learning algorithm, greatly improving the accuracy of automated responses.
Itsuki Natsume, who is signed to グリーエンターテインメント, is set to release her first single for nationwide distribution, her 2nd single.
Companies mentioned：グリーエンターテインメント
Originalイマジナは5月13日に東京で経営者向けセミナーを開催。1名あたり640万円の離職損失を防ぎ、採用・育成・配属の成功率を高める方法を解説します。
India’s national team secured a place in the final on goal difference on Day 3 of the “IBSA Women’s Blind Football Asian Championship 2026,” being held in Umekita.
Companies mentioned：NPO法人日本ブラインドサッカー協会（JBFA）、ダイセル
アカツキゲームス is launching the first campaign celebrating its collaboration with “Dragon Quest Tact” in “Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe,” which it operates. The collaboration between popular IPs is drawing attention.
Companies mentioned：アカツキゲームス
A case study on building an integrated customer acquisition model for regional vacation rentals by combining “MEO, Instagram, local media and influencers” has been published.
WEBISYS has launched “じぶん時辰,” a free self-discovery platform that uses AI to structure 100 years’ worth of 1 million “personality data” patterns and resolve the Eastern divination challenge of unknown birth times.
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Original神奈川県で膨張・発熱するリチウムイオンバッテリーの安全回収サービスが5月も継続。自治体回収不可の電池も7,700円で回収。
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