Systematic investigation into public property eviction cases; Human Rights Commission raises 4 issues
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The National Human Rights Commission launched a systematic investigation into 7 cases involving the forced relocation of public property, including Losheng Sanatorium and Daguan Community, and held a public hearing. The investigation identified 4 major issues: a wide gap between the government and residents in their understanding of rights and obligations, discriminatory treatment, inadequate communication, and insufficient support for people being relocated.
Agriculture and health ministers eat potato chips, reiterate dual checks on imported potatoes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's agriculture minister and health and welfare minister emphasized that imports of sprouted potatoes would absolutely not be permitted, addressing food safety concerns over imports of potatoes for processing from the United States. The 2 departments said safety would be ensured through checks in exporting countries, border inspections upon import, and testing for sprout suppressants and pesticide residues.
Russian defense minister: Military cooperation between Russia and China is urgent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russian Defense Minister Belousov said military cooperation between Russia and China was particularly urgent amid a changing military and political situation. He made the remarks as the countries marked the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of their Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. High-level activities are planned.
French travel writer embarks on journey of peace, rides motorcycle with 10-year-old son to explore Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
French travel writer and social entrepreneur Ludovic Hubler is launching the “Road to Peace” project, traveling around Taiwan by motorcycle with his 10-year-old son. He has traveled to more than 60 countries and founded the nonprofit organization Mission Journey. The project aims to listen to the voices of people in Taiwan.
Chinese Badminton Association chairman and Olympic champion Zhang Jun reportedly unreachable and under investigation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Zhang Jun, head of the China Badminton Association and a former Olympic champion, is reportedly under investigation by disciplinary inspection authorities and has been unreachable for more than 10 days. The investigation is said to be related to his duties while serving at the association.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake off Yilan County; some Taiwan Railway trains slow down
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 struck off Yilan County at 3:16 p.m. today. Taiwan Railways slowed trains on the route between Taipei and Yingge.
Man kicks abdomen of 2-year-old Filipino girl in Taipei Main Station concourse; police arrest him and refer case for prosecution
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Taiwanese man kicked a 2-year-old Filipino girl in the abdomen in the main concourse of Taipei Station. Railway police arrested the suspect using surveillance footage and are considering referring him for prosecution on suspicion of attempted murder.
Mother's Day dining in demand; restaurants add seating times and upgrade menus to attract customers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
With Mother's Day approaching, restaurants across Taiwan are seeking to attract customers with special offers and upgraded menus. Popular venues are already fully booked, while some restaurants have limited availability at lunchtime only.
Hung Sun-han: New occupational safety law takes effect in July; year-end target for occupational safety cards is 300,000 people
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Labor Minister Hung Shen-han announced that amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act will take effect on July 1, and that the training target for the Taiwan Occupational Safety Card will be raised to 300,000 people by the end of the year. The measures aim to reduce workplace accidents in the construction industry.
U.S. semiconductor stocks continue to rally; analysts see Taiwan stocks challenging 40,000 next week
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Following a sharp rally in U.S. semiconductor stocks, Taiwan's stock market rose 5.78% this week, setting a record high. Institutional investors forecast that the main stock index could break through the 40,000-point mark as soon as next week.
Nantou police officer sentenced for secretly filming female officer showering for 2 days; ordered to pay NT$600,000 in civil damages
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A police officer in Taiwan's Nantou County was sentenced last year to 8 months in prison for secretly filming a female officer showering. The victim suffered emotional distress, and a civil court ordered 600,000 Taiwan dollars in compensation.
Chiu Chui-cheng: Taiwan is a key Indo-Pacific player; strengthening self-defense to protect regional peace
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Mainland Affairs Council chief Chiu Chui-cheng said at the opening ceremony of the Abe School of Political Economy that Taiwan is a key player in the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision and will continue to strengthen its self-defense to safeguard regional peace and stability in the face of the Chinese Communist Party's multifaceted pressure.
Scammers impersonate Taipei Veterans General Hospital president Chen Wei-ming to sell drugs; Taipei police actively investigating
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Scams using AI voice-cloning technology to sell medicines under the name of Chen Wei-ming, president of 台北栄民総医院 (Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Beirong), have proliferated. Taipei City police have removed 105 advertisements and are stepping up their investigation in coordination with the hospital.
Taiwanese work exhibited at Los Angeles cultural landmark; Chi Po-hao creates an experience with algorithms
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese artist Chi Po-hao's work “Life in Motion” is on display at the Music Center Plaza in Los Angeles for 2 months. Using computer algorithms to create an immersive, interactive experience that simulates movement in nature, it allows participants to interact with projected images through gestures.
U.S. journalist detained in Kuwait; State Department official confirms release and departure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who holds U.S. and Kuwaiti dual citizenship, had been detained in Kuwait over online posts related to the Iran war. He was acquitted and released. The U.S. State Department confirmed that he had safely left Kuwait.
President's special envoy Lin Chia-lung arrives in Eswatini to attend king's celebration [Video]
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini as a special envoy of the president to attend celebrations marking King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of accession and his 58th birthday. The visit is a substitute for President Lai Ching-te's trip, which was canceled due to Chinese interference.
IEA executive director: Global oil crisis will permanently transform the fossil fuel industry
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the oil crisis triggered by the Iran war would permanently transform the fossil fuel industry and accelerate countries' shift away from fossil fuels to ensure stable energy supplies.
Spurs' Wembanyama helps rally past Trail Blazers; San Antonio leads 2-1 in first-round playoff series
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 in the NBA playoffs despite missing star player Wembanyama, taking a 2-1 series lead. Castle scored 33 points and Harper added 27.
Creative and viable travel proposal earns Taitung Junior College hospitality freshman national merit award
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A first-year team from National Taitung Junior College, the “Dongzheng Beitao Travel Group,” won an honorable mention, placing 5th nationally, in a travel planning competition. Judges praised its “from the city to the source” concept, which combines food and agriculture education with local culture.
Facing the Chinese Communist Party's multifaceted pressure, Chiu Chui-cheng says peace will be built on strength
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng pledged to carry out President Lai Ching-te's “Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan” in response to China's multifaceted pressure, saying Taiwan was determined to build peace on the strength of its capabilities.
First female DPP Kaohsiung chapter chair since reorganization; Huang Jie hopes to help campaign for candidates
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Huang Jie, a lawmaker from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, was elected head of the party's Kaohsiung City chapter. She will be the first woman to hold the position since the county-city merger in 2010.
Taiwan women's soccer team set for new coach; football association terminates contract with Marko Moore early
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Chinese Taipei Football Association decided to dismiss Chakmor, the Thai coach of Taiwan's women's national team. Belgian-born De Wilde has been recommended as his replacement.
Taiwan Railway employee rams train carriage with a metal plate; transferred from frontline as railway police investigate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An employee at Taiwan Railways' Changhua Station was involved in an incident in which a train car was struck forcefully with a wheelchair ramp. The employee was immediately removed from the scene and is being investigated by police.
Cho Jung-tai inspects Chiayi City sports center, praises city government's fiscal discipline as very good
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Premier Cho Jung-tai visited the Xiqu All-People Sports Center in Chiayi City and praised the city's fiscal discipline, noting that it had raised much of the funding itself.
Labor Ministry exhibition presents life stories of workers injured on the job, aims to raise awareness of occupational safety
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Labor held an exhibition featuring the experiences of workplace accident victims, calling for greater attention to workplace safety and rehabilitation support.
CPC: Gasoline and diesel prices frozen next week; cumulative absorption reaches NT$12.4 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
CPC Corporation, Taiwan, announced that gasoline prices will remain unchanged next week. It is providing substantial subsidies to curb price increases stemming from the situation in the Middle East.
First Palestinian election since Gaza war has no Hamas candidates
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Local elections were held in the West Bank and central Gaza. The vote was the first since the Gaza conflict, but Hamas did not take part and public interest was low.
Runaway poodle darts into traffic; Kaohsiung police successfully capture it using a plastic basket
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A poodle that escaped in Kaohsiung City's Fengshan District wandered onto a road, but police on patrol used a plastic basket borrowed from a nearby resident and worked with the owner to safely retrieve it.
Indian audience learns about Taiwanese culture through “The Wedding Banquet,” amazed by open social climate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A screening of Ang Lee's acclaimed film “The Wedding Banquet” was held in India. Indian audience members expressed surprise that Taiwanese society more than 30 years ago was open to homosexuality and diverse family structures.
Students overuse 3C devices; Education Ministry trains teacher mentors for “Happiness Even When Powered Off” program
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Ministry of Education held a training program for teachers called “Turn Off Your Devices, Be Happy” to address young people's dependence on digital devices (3C products). The program shared teaching methods nationwide that encourage time management and self-discipline.
FSC: Taichung Bank's verification of money-laundering case took time; no delay in reporting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission denied allegations that it delayed reporting a money-laundering case involving Taichung Bank. It said the delay was due to the time required to investigate complex flows of funds and that there had been no improper delay.
Oversight issues at detention centers and open prisons; Agency of Corrections says investigation is complete and the matter has been handled
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Agency of Corrections said it had completed investigations and disciplinary actions over an inmate's theft and unauthorized use of a cellphone at Tainan Detention Center and an assault by an inmate at Wuling Open Prison. It acknowledged shortcomings in management and said it would take steps to prevent a recurrence.
One bite of red-heart guava and Malaysian influencer falls in love with Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan-grown “red guavas” have been a hit in Malaysia. Fatin, a well-known local Muslim influencer, was amazed by their taste and showed deep interest in Taiwan's food culture and Muslim-friendly environment.
U.S. sanctions Chinese refinery for buying Iranian oil; Chinese embassy calls sanctions an abuse
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
米財務省 (the U.S. Treasury) designated Chinese refinery 恒力石化（大連） as subject to sanctions, accusing it of purchasing several billion dollars' worth of Iranian oil. The Chinese embassy strongly protested, calling the move an “abuse of sanctions.”
Pingtung promotes “ecological wages” to protect grass owls, expands program to Changzhi and Wandan townships
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pingtung County is expanding its “Ecosystem Services Payment” program to protect the endangered grass owl (草鴞). It is adding Changzhi Township and Wandan Township to the program, offering farmers who practice environmentally friendly agriculture, such as avoiding pesticides, up to NT$33,000 per hectare.
Foxconn's Vietnam strategy enters a new phase, with focus on strengthening management and upgrading talent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Zhou Yiwen, who oversees Foxconn’s operations in Vietnam, said the company’s investment strategy in Vietnam has entered a new phase and offered 5 proposals, including partnering with local companies and developing talent. The company has invested a total of $5.7 billion in Vietnam and created 130,000 jobs.
Companies mentioned：鴻海精密工業 (富士康/Foxconn)、Hana Micron (韓国)、JA Solar (中国)、EuroCham (欧州商会)
EU and U.S. sign critical minerals agreement to reduce dependence on China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The EU and the United States signed a partnership agreement on critical minerals in Washington. It aims to reduce dependence on China and jointly manage and strengthen supply chains for resources essential to industries including defense.
The full music video for “BE MY STAR,” the T.T. STAR theme song celebrating “Goddess of Victory: NIKKE”’s 3.5th anniversary, is out! Landmarks around the world cheer on T.T. STAR!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Global gaming brand Level Infinite is rolling out a worldwide campaign celebrating “Goddess of Victory: NIKKE”’s 3.5th anniversary and cheering on T.T. STAR. The wide-ranging promotion includes the release of the full music video for “BE MY STAR,” an in-person event at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, and landmark displays in 4 cities around the world.
株式会社Mavericks has added Threads integration to its AI video-generation tool “NoLang.” The feature enables users to complete the process from video generation to posting in one place, helping them share videos on the rapidly growing Threads.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Mavericks has added Threads integration to its AI video-generation tool “NoLang,” enabling users to go from AI video generation to direct posting on Threads in one place. This allows companies to streamline information sharing and marketing on the rapidly growing platform without video production skills or costs.
Born from women’s voices saying, “I was too scared to ask a male staff member.” The industry’s first decluttering service with female staff accompanying clients, “Okatashi with,” launches across the Kanto region.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ウルタロウ has launched “Okatashi with,” a women-only service in which female staff accompany clients and help them declutter. The service responds to concerns about male staff and fears that belongings might be thrown away without permission, and features an accompanying-support approach and payment in up to 60 installments.
[Kanto Danshi] The group’s 9th-anniversary solo concert, “Kanto Danshi 9-Kyoku Full Course,” held in April, will receive its first-ever exclusive TV broadcast on WOWOWプラス on Tuesday, July 21!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The 9th-anniversary concert by “Kanto Danshi,” “Kanto Danshi 9-Kyoku Full Course,” will receive its first-ever exclusive TV broadcast on WOWOWプラス on July 21, 2026. The concert is a special stage representing the culmination of the group’s work.
Your fortune for the second half of 2026 | Love Me Do uses numerology to read your overall fortunes. Now available to the public on the official website.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社レンサ has made a service publicly available on its official website that uses numerology by popular fortune teller Love Me Do to read fortunes for the second half of 2026. It assesses fortunes and turning points based on date of birth and name, and is offered for a monthly fee of 440 yen.
The “WIND BREAKER 5th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION” is coming to your city, with touring exhibitions confirmed in 5 cities across Japan, including Sendai, Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as overseas!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An original-art exhibition celebrating the 5th anniversary of the manga “WIND BREAKER” will tour 5 cities in Japan, including Sendai, Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as South Korea and Taiwan. Signings by the creator, Satoru Nii, will also be held at each venue.
[New release] A game changer for iPhone photography! ORICO’s “magnetic-attachment SSD case and hub” is available at an equivalent discount of 40% when combined with a coupon.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ORICO has released the “AP80F,” a new product combining a magnetic-attachment SSD case and hub for the iPhone Pro series. It offers features including external ProRes video recording, fast charging and SD card support, and attaches securely to the back of an iPhone with MagSafe. A launch promotion offering an equivalent discount of 40% is running through April 30.
Special exhibition “Kimonos by Atelier Shimura: A Breeze of Spring” to be held in Setagaya, Tokyo.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Atelier Shimura is holding the special exhibition “Kimonos by Atelier Shimura: A Breeze of Spring” in Setagaya, Tokyo. Carrying on the spirit of living national treasure Fukumi Shimura, the exhibition will display and sell works including 3 new kimonos dyed with plants. Talks and try-on events will also be held, showcasing the appeal of kimonos that make use of nature’s gifts.
Women’s professional golfer Reika Miyako to throw the first pitch at a professional baseball game for the first time! At the “Watch sports with U-NEXT! U-NEXT DAY” DeNA BayStars vs. 読売ジャイアンツ game.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Women’s professional golfer Reika Miyako threw the ceremonial first pitch for the first time at the DeNA vs. Giants game, part of the U-NEXT-sponsored “U-NEXT DAY.” The event was held as part of efforts to raise awareness of sports streaming, an area of focus for the video-streaming service U-NEXT.
Can learning English change the brain? Native Camp releases a Daily News lesson on “improving memory” from a scientific perspective.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Online English conversation service Native Camp has released a new “Daily News” lesson focused on brain changes and improved memory through English study. It explains how learning works from a scientific perspective and aims to boost learners’ motivation to continue.
A “clean-junky” food experience from Suzaka, Shinshu. A launch party for “SORGAM” is being held.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Life in Suzaka” in Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture, and “P.O.S.T studio” have launched “SORGAM,” a new food brand using Shinshu-grown sorghum. A launch event will be held at Ginza NAGANO in May 2026, with beer, chips and cookies on offer. The brand aims to spread a sustainable food cycle nationwide.
[14-minute walk from Nozaki Station] The “Spalabo Daito Fukanokita Store” self-storage facility opens on May 1, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社UKcorporation will open the indoor self-storage facility “Spalabo Daito Fukanokita Store” in Daito, Osaka Prefecture, on May 1, 2026. Located a 14-minute walk from JR Nozaki Station, it offers urban storage services with contactless contracts and same-day access using smart locks.
May 24 (Sunday), Gamba Osaka match at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium): SWEET STEADY confirmed as the third artist announcement for “ORANGE SONIC”.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Shimizu S-Pulse announced that idol group “SWEET STEADY” will perform at “ORANGE SONIC,” an event held alongside the Gamba Osaka match at the National Stadium on May 24. The event will feature a full-scale live show in collaboration with Creative Man Productions.
Y’s / Y’s for men / LIMI feu: Limited and advance-release items marking the 1st anniversary of the Shibuya PARCO store will go on sale starting Saturday, April 25.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Shibuya PARCO stores for Y’s, Y’s for men and LIMI feu are marking their 1st anniversary with the release of limited-edition and advance-release items starting April 25, 2026. An anniversary event featuring original drinks and limited-edition gifts will also be held for 2 days from the same date.
A thorough analysis of 25 years of admissions trends at private medical schools. Make your dream of becoming a doctor come true in the shortest time possible in 2027.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The private medical school admissions prep academy run by Study Chain Co., Ltd. has revamped its curriculum based on an analysis of 25 years of past entrance exams. It visualizes question trends by school and offers customized study plans designed to help students pass in the shortest time possible in the 2027 admissions cycle.
“Kazawa Concert 2026: With gratitude for every encounter—May one flower become a grand bloom” will receive its first-ever exclusive TV broadcast on Kayo Pops Channel at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 28!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The concert “Furin Concert 2026: Gratitude for Every Encounter — Turning One Flower into a Grand Bloom” by 風輪, a duo kayō group with an average height of 185 cm, will receive its first exclusive television broadcast on June 28, 2026, on the CS channel 歌謡ポップスチャンネル.
The hugely popular “Liver Chips” are back as bath bombs: “17LIVE Liver Bath Bomb 2026” set to launch at ドン・キホーテ!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
17LIVE is holding its 3rd collaboration with ドン・キホーテ, “17LIVE Liver Bath Bomb 2026.” Top streamers will earn the right to be featured on the packaging of bath bombs sold in stores and other materials.
AULA rolls out magnetic-switch keyboards for FPS games: how to choose the ideal keyboard for “operational precision” and “response speed”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AULA is rolling out 3 magnetic-switch keyboard models specialized for FPS games (HERO 68/84, AG60). The new products use rapid trigger technology to improve operational precision and response speed.
株式会社カウシェ was named to “Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025,” and CEO 門奈剣平 attended the awards ceremony in Singapore. The recognition reflects the company’s rapid growth, with 6 million cumulative downloads, and its unique AI-powered business model, which has earned acclaim across Asia. Further growth is expected.