60 received, 60 listed, 2 sources
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 38 items from 1 source; Japan, 22 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Soaring crude oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East are pushing Japan’s public bathhouses, or sento, into crisis. Under regulations that make it difficult to pass on higher costs, the number of facilities forced to shorten their hours or close is rising sharply.
Companies mentioned：共同通信、全国公衆浴場業生活衛生同業組合連合会
The 経済部 held the 2nd Best AI Awards, highlighting the importance of leveraging Taiwan’s strengths in AI hardware and applying AI across a wide range of industries. A total of 1,487 teams from 36 countries took part, promoting the adoption of the latest technologies in agentic AI and edge AI across industries. Lightweight AI applications in healthcare, ICT, manufacturing and education drew attention.
Companies mentioned：経済部、台達電子工業股份有限公司、耐能智慧股份有限公司、生奕科技股份有限公司、臻至科技有限公司、國立成功大學、國立虎尾科技大學
A recall vote targeting Datong Township chief Wu Bingzong, led by residents opposed to the move, passed in connection with a mine development project in Lunpi Village, Datong Township, Yilan County. Distrust of the development proposal and criticism of the chief’s response led to a majority of votes in favor, exceeding the legal threshold and resulting in his removal from office.
Companies mentioned：宜蘭縣選舉委員會
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said 21 Chinese military aircraft entered the airspace around Taiwan on the afternoon of the 25th, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Coordination with Chinese naval vessels conducting “joint combat readiness patrols” was also confirmed, and Taiwan’s armed forces are on high alert.
Hit Fm held a ticket giveaway event for the “hito Pop Music Awards” at Taipei Arena, featuring popular rapper HowZ and boy band F.F.O. In keeping with the concept of his album, HowZ tossed a bouquet to give tickets to fans, exciting the crowd.
Companies mentioned：Hit Fm、台北小巨蛋
An interschool singing competition for the 114 academic year was held in Taiwan’s Lienchiang County, or Matsu. When the rankings were announced, contestants’ names were read out as “lucky codes” made up of 3 digits based on the number of strokes in their names, drawing attention for the unusual format.
Companies mentioned：中正国中小、介寿国中小、敬恒国中小
Taiwan’s team shut out Sweden 5-0 in its opening match at the Thomas Cup, the men’s badminton team championship being held in Denmark. Ace Chou Tien-chen gave the team an early lead despite a tough match, building momentum for the squad.
Original台北市で男がBB弾銃と偽手榴弾を使い中国信託銀行を襲撃しようとしましたが、行員の機転と警察の迅速な対応により逮捕されました。経済的圧力による犯行と見られており、台北地検は男の勾留請求を行いました。
Companies mentioned：中国信託銀行
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced that nurse recruitment has returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang said the number of nurses in January this year had risen by more than 5,000 from the same period last year, reaching 190,000, and that legislation on nurse-to-patient ratios across 3 shifts remains under review.
Companies mentioned：台湾護師医療産業工会、法務部、司法院
The Chinese language section of the 115 academic year technical and vocational college entrance exam included questions on emotional blackmail and the anime “Demon Slayer,” placing emphasis on students’ “information literacy.” The exam team rated the test as moderately difficult to difficult, saying high scores would be hard to achieve through rote memorization alone.
Companies mentioned：中央社、全國教師會、全國高級中等學校教育產業工會
The 115 academic year four-year college and two-year junior college unified entrance exam began, with the highest absentee rate on the first day at 5.62%, in line with recent years. There was no serious cheating, and 6 students took the exam at a reserve test site because of sudden illness and other reasons.
Companies mentioned：技專校院入學測驗中心
In response to the case of former 民衆党 legislator Li Zhenxiu, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council clarified the rules on household registration in Taiwan under Article 21 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. It said candidates for public office must submit proof of cancellation of their household registration in mainland China to the competent authority and wait 10 years before registering as candidates.
Companies mentioned：陸委會、民衆党、行政院、法務部、司法院、移民署
Singapore is sharply increasing fuel oil imports from Russia following a drop in supplies from the Middle East. The move reflects instability in the Middle East and a relaxation of the price cap on Russian crude.
Companies mentioned：Vortexa、金融時報 (Financial Times)、エネルギーとクリーンエア研究センター (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air)、Veson Nautical、Rystad Energy
The main stadium at the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Training Center in Tainan was flooded by rain, prompting an apology from the Tainan City Government’s Sports Bureau. Recent heavy rain is believed to have washed red infield clay into the drainage channels, where it accumulated. Cleanup and inspections are planned after this weekend’s games.
Taiwanese professional basketball league TPBL team 台啤永豐雲豹 defeated 高雄全家海神 99-85 to secure a playoff berth.
Companies mentioned：台啤永豐雲豹、高雄全家海神、福爾摩沙夢想家
The 台湾千里步道協会 awarded the title of “honorary trail master” to 郭守発, who has worked on projects including bamboo-built elevated walkways.
Companies mentioned：台湾千里步道協会、雲林県古坑郷石壁社区発展協会、世界竹組織 (World Bamboo Organization)
Soaring crude oil prices amid worsening tensions in the Middle East have dealt a blow to Germany’s economy, prompting the government to halve its economic growth forecast for this year.
Companies mentioned：ING（オランダINGグループ）、Ifo経済研究所、CNBC
新北市美術館 marked its 1st anniversary with an eco-art project in which 800 residents jointly created a solar-powered flying device using recycled plastic.
Companies mentioned：新北市美術館、新北市交響楽団
Original国民党の鄭麗文主席が駐台外国代表約50人と交流し、両岸の平和は国際社会の共同利益であり継続的な関心が必要だと呼びかけた。
Companies mentioned：国民党
Original日本の埼玉西武ライオンズでプレーする林安可が、楽天戦で1試合3安打4打点（第2号本塁打含む）を記録し自己最高成績を更新した。
Companies mentioned：埼玉西武ライオンズ、東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス
Taiwan’s tourism agency, 台湾交通部観光署, held the “2026 Taiwan Tourism Roadshow” in Seoul. It promoted Taiwan to Korean tourists through Indigenous dances and food experiences.
Companies mentioned：台湾交通部観光署、義美食品
Taiwan’s weather agency said moisture levels across Taiwan will decrease from April 26 to 27, bringing sunny skies with occasional clouds. However, a front is expected to pass from the 29th to the 30th, bringing brief showers or thunderstorms around the island.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社（中央社）
Taiwanese batter Lin An-ko of the Seibu Lions had a standout game against Rakuten, recording 3 hits and 4 RBIs. In the 8th inning, he hit a 2-run home run, the 2nd of his career in Japanese baseball, making a major contribution to his team’s victory.
Companies mentioned：埼玉西武ライオンズ、東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス
Taiwan’s 陸委会 head Chiu Chui-cheng said in a speech that Xi Jinping is the biggest factor affecting cross-strait relations. “Peace should be built on our own strength, not through capitulation, lying flat or dependence,” he stressed.
Companies mentioned：陸委会、中国共産党、国民党
Rakuten Monkeys closer Chu Cheng-yang has converted 14 consecutive saves across seasons. He said the key to his strong form is his mindset: “I pitch without thinking of it as the 9th inning.”
Companies mentioned：楽天桃猿（Rakuten Monkeys）
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen voiced support for KMT candidate Lee Szu-chuan, who is running for New Taipei mayor. In response, DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui expressed openness to future exchanges between the cities.
Companies mentioned：中国国民党、民主進歩党
The Legislative Yuan’s Central and Southern Service Center held a “Democracy Navigators—Little Speaker Experience Camp” in Wufeng District, Taichung, where elementary school students from remote areas of Changhua learned about democracy and public participation in an engaging way.
Companies mentioned：立法院中南部服務中心、台灣醒世關懷協會、亞洲大學法律服務社
The “2026 Tung Blossom Festival” is being held in stages across 13 counties and cities in Taiwan. Hakka Affairs Council head Ku Hsiu-fei attended an event in Miaoli. She said that despite funding adjustments following amendments to the Fiscal Revenue and Expenditure Allocation Act, she intends to work with local governments to promote tourism development in Hakka communities.
Companies mentioned：客家委員會、苗栗縣政府
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck off Yilan County in Taiwan, and the Central Weather Administration urged people to watch for aftershocks of around magnitude 4 to 4.5 within the next 3 days. The quake is considered an independent event.
Companies mentioned：中央氣象署
South Korea’s average diesel price has topped 2,000 won for the first time in about 4 years. To curb soaring fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East, the government introduced its 4th round of price caps on petroleum products.
Companies mentioned：韓國石油公社
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has officially added critical care and infectious diseases to its list of government-designated specialties, bringing the total to 25. The move is expected to standardize training and examinations in both fields and lead to adjustments in National Health Insurance reimbursements.
Commercial flights have resumed at Tehran International Airport in Iran. The restart, after about 2 months following the outbreak of conflict with the United States and Israel, suggests a temporary easing of tensions.
Companies mentioned：美聯社 (AP通信)、伊朗國營電視台
Former Australian Home Affairs Department Secretary Michael Pezzullo warned that China poses the greatest threat to peace in Asia and urged Australia to rebuild its defense posture.
Companies mentioned：中央社、澳洲人報、北大西洋公約組織(NATO)
The conflict between the United States and Iran has hit China’s Yiwu trade with the Middle East hard, with Ramadan orders down more than 50% from a year earlier, putting severe pressure on businesses.
Companies mentioned：中国新聞週刊、義烏跨境電商協會、深圳跨境線上集團
Tseng Jen-ho, who joined the Wei Chuan Dragons this year, is set to make his first appearance with the 1st team next week. Manager Yeh Chun-chang also praised his bullpen pitching as “the best I’ve seen so far.”
Companies mentioned：味全龍隊 (味全ドラゴンズ)、樂天桃猿隊 (楽天モンキーズ)
An outdoor music festival celebrating the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Tainan Canal will be held on May 1 and 2. The Transportation Bureau urged people to use public transport to avoid congestion and released information on traffic restrictions.
Companies mentioned：台南市政府交通局、台灣高鐵、台鐵、YouBike
Taiwan-born Lin An-ko, who plays for Japan’s 埼玉西武ライオンズ, hit a 2-run home run against Rakuten, recording the 2nd of his NPB career.
Companies mentioned：埼玉西武獅隊 (埼玉西武ライオンズ)、樂天金鷲隊 (東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス)
Construction of the “Dayuan Sports Park” in Taoyuan has officially entered the bidding phase, with work scheduled to begin in August this year. The project will provide the community with a new sports facility for people of all ages.
Companies mentioned：桃園市政府新建工程處
Original株式会社ビサイドは、東方Projectの「ゆっくり」をテーマにした新作3D積み上げパズルゲーム『東方ゆっくりマウンテン』を2026年春にSteam、Nintendo Switch、Nintendo Switch 2 Editionでリリースすると発表。最大4人でのオンライン・オフライン対戦が可能で、ゴールデンウィークには体験イベントも開催されます。
Companies mentioned：上海アリス幻樂団、株式会社ビサイド
OriginalB2リーグのライジングゼファーフクオカは、シーズン最終戦でベルテックス静岡に76-81で惜敗した。青木選手の活躍も虚しく、連勝でシーズンを締めくくる目標は達成できなかった。
Companies mentioned：ライジングゼファーフクオカ、ベルテックス静岡、りそなグループ
Original新入社員が短期間で退職した場合の社会保険料の取り扱いに関するプレスリリース。1日勤務でも1か月分請求される可能性があり、その制度や実務上の対応、企業が事前に取るべき対策について解説するメディア向けセミナーが開催されます。特定社会保険労務士の小野純氏が登壇します。
Companies mentioned：一般社団法人クレア人財育英協会、株式会社SA
The new theater EX THEATER ARIAKE opened on April 25, 2026, inside the multi-purpose entertainment complex TOKYO DREAM PARK. Equipped with the latest facilities and approximately 1,500 seats, it made a dazzling debut with AmberS -Anbaasu-, based on the original work and script by Shigeaki Kato and starring Kazuya Ohashi.
Companies mentioned：劇団☆新感線
Amefurashi Quartet will release Wanoway, a full-length album that reconstructs Aomori's Tsugaru dialect as “sound,” on June 14, 2026. Blending jazz and pop, the innovative work brings out the musical characteristics of the dialect to the fullest.
Companies mentioned：東奥日報社、青森朝日放送、RAB青森放送
CUL DRAMA, a YouTube channel operated by VAZ Inc., has released its latest work. The production was filmed with the cooperation of Koto City, Tokyo, and is notable for being recognized as an official location shoot by the local government.
Companies mentioned：江東区観光協会、江東区フィルムコミッション
Incerto LLC has launched its manufacturing-focused Skills Management and Personnel Allocation AI. It automates ISO 9001-compliant skills management and staffing decisions that had relied on veteran employees' experience, aiming to address severe labor shortages and dependence on individual workers.
Companies mentioned：Amazon (Bedrock)、Microsoft (Azure OpenAI)
Original株式会社オープンハウスグループがオーナーを務めるB1リーグ「群馬クレインサンダーズ」が、2年連続でBリーグチャンピオンシップへの進出を決定。2025-26シーズンのリーグ制覇を目指します。
Companies mentioned：株式会社オープンハウスグループ
“Seibugeki! My 55-year-old son came home just as I started preparing for the end of my life,” co-starring Pinko Izumi and Ryuta Sato, opened at シアター1010 in Tokyo. The hybrid of a staged reading and theater depicts the restoration of family bonds and is also scheduled to tour nationwide.
Companies mentioned：講談社、シアター1010
OriginalプロバスケットボールB.LEAGUEの群馬クレインサンダーズが、4月25日のレバンガ北海道戦に勝利し、2025-26シーズンのチャンピオンシップ（CS）進出を確定させました。昨季の勝利数を更新する躍進を見せています。
Companies mentioned：レバンガ北海道、りそなグループ
Original株式会社NINZIAは、プラントベースかつグルテンフリーの「豆腐ワッフル」の母の日限定ギフトセットの予約販売を開始した。
Companies mentioned：株式会社NINZIA、株式会社Sydecas
Anime song dance performers REAL AKIBA BOYZ will hold a solo live show at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on September 19, 2026, and have opened the earliest ticket presale through their official website.
Companies mentioned：クリエイターレーベル「METEORA st.」
TAC Corporation will hold its “Introduction to Tachikawa School-Exclusive Services” seminar online on May 2, 2026. Aimed at students and working adults preparing for civil service exams, it will introduce exclusive support such as early interview preparation and essay-writing seminars. A spring discount campaign is also underway.
TAC Corporation will hold YouTube-only events on May 4 and May 6 for those considering police officer and firefighter exams, explaining the work and exam preparation in 30 minutes. Instructor Keisuke Adachi will lead the sessions, and a spring discount campaign is currently underway.
Originalプロバスケットボールチーム「群馬クレインサンダーズ」が、2026年4月25日のレバンガ北海道戦での勝利により、「りそなグループ B.LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP 2025-26」への進出を決定しました。昨年に続き2度目の進出となります。
Companies mentioned：レバンガ北海道、りそなホールディングス（りそなグループ）
MIXI will hold DREAMDAZE Ⅳ, a live entertainment show for the popular Monster Strike smartphone app, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on July 11 and 12, 2026. Advance lottery ticket sales for Monpass members start today, April 25, with general sales beginning June 1.
Companies mentioned：株式会社MIXI
THE KIMONO girl, a kimono magazine for Gen Z, has announced its 3rd exclusive model contest. The large-scale audition, which will share the appeal of traditional culture with younger generations, is a collaboration between the live-streaming app SHOWROOM and the long-established Kyoto Sagano-kan.
Companies mentioned：株式会社air works、株式会社京繊（京都さがの館）、SHOWROOM株式会社
Atsuhiro Tsuda of popular comedy duo Diane will release his first book, Tsuda Diary, through 新潮社 on May 27, 2026, his 50th birthday. The book is a diary he wrote every day throughout 2025, offering a vivid portrait of Tsuda's personality. Excerpts from the book have been released ahead of publication.
Companies mentioned：新潮社、吉本興業
Marius Petipa's classical ballet masterpiece Raymonda opened at 新国立劇場 on April 25, 2026. The production, choreographed and directed by Asami Maki, has received high acclaim.
Companies mentioned：新国立劇場、新国立劇場バレエ団
Mirarita, a business-investment crowdfunding platform, has launched its 10th fund, the Hokkaido Scallop Procurement and Distribution Fund. It offers an expected yield of 15%, and investors will receive scallops worth approximately 10,000 yen as a benefit.
ミラリタ株式会社 launched a campaign on April 26, 2026, offering an Amazon gift card worth 5,000 yen for a first investment through its business-investment crowdfunding service, “ミラリタ.”
Companies mentioned：Amazon.com, Inc.
MIXI’s smartphone app “Monster Strike” will hold its first collaboration with the popular anime “K-On!” starting April 26, 2026.
Companies mentioned：株式会社MIXI、芳文社、株式会社ギフティ