Chinese naval formation enters waters southwest of Penghu; military releases surveillance footage
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense announced that a formation of Chinese military vessels had entered waters southwest of Penghu. Taiwan's military is closely monitoring the situation with air and naval forces and responding appropriately.
Coretronic plans 1-for-1 share swap; newly established Coretronic Holdings to become listed entity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Backlight module maker 中強光電 announced plans to establish an investment holding company, 中光電投資控股公司, as the listed entity, through a 1-to-1 share swap, aiming to improve the efficiency of the group's strategic planning and the flexibility of its new businesses. 中強光電 will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the new holding company.
National Land Management Agency: Existing application rules for interior renovations unchanged; use qualified contractors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's National Land Management Agency announced that application rules for interior renovations had not changed, and urged the public to beware of false information. It also called on consumers to choose licensed contractors and be wary of low-price scams. The agency further reiterated that the standard for reporting on public safety is that main gates must not obstruct evacuation routes.
穩懋 and 信驊 default on settlements on the same day, totaling more than NT$129 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Taipei Exchange announced that gallium arsenide maker 穩懋 and stock 信驊 incurred a combined total of more than NT$129 million in failed settlements on the same day. These were investor settlement defaults under the T+2 settlement system and part of a recent rise in such cases.
Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shooting near Taichung court over drug dispute
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A shooting believed to have stemmed from a dispute over drug dealing occurred near the Taichung District Court. Suspect Chang shot suspect Lin, who was taken to hospital. Chang was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and other offenses, and was ordered detained.
Attack on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant leaves 1 dead; Russia accuses Ukraine of drone strike
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was attacked by Ukrainian drones, killing 1 employee. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted an on-site inspection and condemned the threat to the safety of the nuclear facility. The incident has heightened international concerns about nuclear security.
Wildfire in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture burns for 6 days; survivors of the 311 earthquake again battle natural disaster
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A wildfire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, burned for 6 days and scorched more than 1,600 hectares. Local volunteer firefighters, themselves survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake, have shown their resolve to protect their hometown despite exhaustion from facing repeated disasters. Concerns are growing over the increase in large wildfires due to climate change and the shortage of firefighting capacity amid an aging population.
Pope meets Archbishop of Canterbury, vows to work to overcome historical divisions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pope Leo 14 held a historic meeting with Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at the Vatican. They exchanged gifts, prayed together and pledged to work toward overcoming a long-standing historical divide. The meeting marked an important step toward improving relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
Two subsidiaries of 中航, China Swift Shipping Pte. Ltd. and China Vantage Shipping Pte. Ltd., each ordered a new bulk carrier. The total price for each vessel is between $77.5 million and $80.5 million, and each has a carrying capacity of 210,000 tons. The orders are part of the group's fleet renewal plan.
Companies mentioned:中航、China Swift Shipping Pte. Ltd.、China Vantage Shipping Pte. Ltd.
Japan’s PayPay now accepted for payments in Taiwan; enjoy offers by scanning “Easy Wallet-TWQR”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
財金公司 launched its TWQR inbound cross-border payment service, enabling visitors from Japan to use PayPay for purchases in Taiwan starting at the end of April. 悠遊カード会社 announced that customers can receive special offers when paying with Japan's PayPay through 悠遊付-TWQR at participating stores, aiming to make shopping more convenient for tourists and boost spending.
台達電’s Thai subsidiary acquires machinery and equipment for US$15.5 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台達電's Thai subsidiary purchased machinery and equipment from its Singapore subsidiary for about US$15.5 million (about NT$480 million). The transaction was between related parties and is intended for business operations. 台達電 also plans to increase capital in its Singapore subsidiary, which in turn plans a further capital increase, to meet funding needs for factory construction.
Companies mentioned:台達電、Delta Electronics (Thailand) Public Company Limited (DET)、Delta Electronics Int'l (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (DEIL-SG)、Delta Energy Systems (Singapore) PTE.LTD. (DESS)、DIN
Reuters: Moody’s raises China’s outlook to stable, but debt pressures continue to mount
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
穆迪分析公司 raised its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating from “negative” to “stable.” It cited sustained growth and effective debt management, despite China facing challenges at home and abroad. However, the Chinese government's debt burden is expected to continue increasing.
India and New Zealand sign free trade agreement, seek to boost exports on both sides
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement aimed at promoting exports. The agreement includes expanded market access for Indian products and lower tariff barriers for New Zealand products, strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Kirk’s widow attends White House Correspondents’ Dinner when shooting erupts; tearfully says, “I just want to go home”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The widow of conservative US leader Charlie Kirk was caught up in a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Reports showed her pleading to go home in fear.
Australian cross-party parliamentary delegation visits Taiwan, to meet government and lawmakers for exchanges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A bipartisan Australian parliamentary delegation will visit Taiwan from April 27 to May 2 and meet with government agencies and the Legislative Yuan. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it hopes the visit will help the delegation understand Taiwan's development in the economy, science and technology, and culture, and deepen Taiwan-Australia ties.
MiTAC: Actively expanding capacity in Asia-Pacific and North America to strengthen supply capabilities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
神達投控 is actively expanding production capacity at its factories in Asia-Pacific and North America following the finalization of Taiwan-US tariffs, while facing challenges in 2026. Against the backdrop of rapid advances in AI, the company plans to promote OCP architecture and liquid-cooling technology for AI servers, while developing new products and markets in automotive electronics and AIoT.
Senior Expo opens in August; longevity economy shifts from care toward industry development
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 3rd Senior Health Industry Expo will be held in August. Centered on the “new longevity economy,” it aims to shift the paradigm from caregiving to industrial development.
The winning numbers for draw 115034 of 威力彩 (Power Lottery), held on the evening of April 27, were announced. The winning numbers in Zone 1 were 27, 38, 33, 35, 08 and 06; the winning number in Zone 2 was 02.
Miaoli City cycling pilgrimage heads to Beigang for 2 days and 1 night; contestants’ night on 5/15
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Miaoli City is holding a “Cycling Pilgrimage” event. 300 participants will ride 345 km round trip to Beigang over 2 days. The event starts with Athletes' Village Night on May 15, and a short-distance participation option using YouBike is also available.
Penghu Defense Command’s 2 generals retire and transfer; Penghu Deputy County Magistrate Lin Jiexing offers congratulations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Retired Deputy Commander Li Jie of the 陸軍澎湖防衛指揮部 and reassigned Chief of Staff He Huaxing visited the 澎湖県政府. Deputy County Magistrate Lin Jiexing presented them with commemorative gifts and honorary county resident certificates, recognizing their major contributions to regional security and military-civilian cooperation.
陸委會: Lifting the ban on group tours to mainland China requires first ensuring the personal safety of the public
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stressed that lifting the ban on group tours to China is contingent on ensuring the safety of Taiwan residents. Recent travel accidents and the tightening of China's national security laws and regulations have increased the risks of travel.
Foreign Ministry: Lin Chia-lung completes visit to Eswatini, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung visited the Kingdom of Eswatini to review the results of agricultural and fisheries cooperation. The visit was highlighted as demonstrating Taiwan's determination and resilience in reaching out to the world without fear of difficulties.
Blue House: Google’s first global AI campus to be located in South Korea
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Google and the South Korean government agreed to build the world's first “AI campus” in Seoul. DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis visited South Korea, where he will strengthen collaboration with Korean companies including Samsung and Hyundai Motor in next-generation AI technology and talent development.
Seven countries, including the United States and the Philippines, held a large-scale anti-amphibious landing exercise on Palawan, which faces the South China Sea. Using drone systems and HIMARS, they demonstrated their defense capabilities to protect resources and energy within their territorial waters.
Taiwan banks’ New Southbound Policy lending rises by NT$182.3 billion in first quarter, continuing to exceed annual target
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Outstanding loans by Taiwanese banks to countries covered by the “New Southbound” policy increased by NT$182.3 billion in Q1 2026. That was 227% of the annual target, which was reached ahead of schedule.
Egypt approves first special investment zone, a major integrated development project worth NT$836.1 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Egypt's government has approved its first special investment zone in New Cairo. TMG, the country's largest real estate developer, will invest about ¥836.1 billion to build an AI-powered smart city.
Companies mentioned:Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG)、Egypt National Bank (NBE)、Ali Nassar & Partners
Oil slick found near Qianxiang Bridge on Keelung River; environmental bureau deploys absorbent booms and investigates
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pollution caused by an oil spill was discovered near Qianxiang Bridge on the Keelung River. 基隆市環境保護局 carried out emergency measures using oil-absorbent mats and is working to identify the source of the pollution.
Pegatron: Optimistic about growth momentum in 3 product lines, will continue AI factory strategy this year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pegatron(和碩) is continuing its AI factory strategy and expects strong growth across its 3 major product lines: servers, automotive systems, and networking equipment. It is stepping up development of products including fully liquid-cooled servers that support the latest chips from NVIDIA and AMD.
International Hyena Day: Taipei Zoo says efficient eating is a sign of intelligence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To mark International Hyena Day, Taipei Zoo issued a press release explaining the intelligence and ecological role of spotted hyenas. It seeks to dispel their image as brutal predators and highlight their importance as the savannah's cleanup crew.
What is a battling top? Why has this childhood game made a comeback among adults? A look at the new rules
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Takara Tomy's battle toy Beyblade, launched in 1999, is enjoying a resurgence among adults. The introduction of the new generation, BEYBLADE X, has brought it a “renaissance” as a social tool.
Spring rains stabilize water supplies; Hsinchu region lifts pressure-reduction measures and returns to green status
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Spring rains have stabilized water conditions nationwide, and water-use restrictions in the Hsinchu area have been lifted. There are also no concerns about supplies in the south through the end of June.
Swiss authorities unfreeze funds in Lafayette case; Wang family recovers US$670 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Swiss judicial authorities have released about $670 million in frozen funds related to the Lafayette frigate case and decided to return them to the family of the late Wang Chuan-pu.
Companies mentioned:Thomson-CSF (現Thales)、Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)
To reduce reliance on China, U.S. diversifies rare earth sources, targeting Malaysia and Brazil
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To reduce its dependence on China for rare earths, the United States is accelerating efforts to diversify its sources of supply, including the start of heavy rare earth production in Malaysia by Australia's Lynas and financing and acquisitions involving Brazilian companies. The Pentagon is also providing funding, with the goal of ending reliance on China by 2027.
TSMC shares hit a record NT$2,330, matching its stock code; analysts say price-to-earnings ratio remains reasonable
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
TSMC shares briefly reached 2,330 Taiwan dollars, setting a historic record by matching the company's stock code. Analysts say its current PER of about 25 times is within a reasonable range.
PathAhead, a startup launched through Honda's new business program, has raised ¥136 million with its proprietary technology for turning desert sand into road materials. Incubate Fund and others participated in the funding, as the company aims to address infrastructure challenges in Africa.
[Hotel Collaboration Plan] A luxurious stay enveloped in the scent of roses, away from the everyday. The limited-time “A NATURAL LUXURY STAY” collaboration between ジュリーク and Hotel Monterey is now underway.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Organic cosmetics brand ジュリーク and Hotel Monterey will offer the limited-time collaboration plan “A NATURAL LUXURY STAY” starting in March 2026. The plan offers a luxurious stay where guests can try ジュリーク skincare products in their hotel rooms, along with a special beauty ritual.
PathAhead appoints new-business entrepreneur® Minoru Moriya as business adviser and former Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd. department head Yoshifumi Nagata as technical adviser
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
PathAhead Co., Ltd. has appointed new-business entrepreneur® Minoru Moriya as business adviser and Yoshifumi Nagata, formerly a department head at Metropolitan Expressway, as technical adviser. The appointments are intended to accelerate the development of sustainable road infrastructure using its proprietary granulation technology, “Rising Sand,” and strengthen technology development and real-world implementation.
From Nagoya to the world—Nagoya NTPOJA to hold Street Fighter 6 closed-door competition event “Champion's Dojo”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Professional sports team Nagoya OJA is holding regular closed-door Street Fighter 6 competition events, “Champion's Dojo,” in Nagoya. The invitation-only events are open to professionals and amateurs alike, with the aim of developing local players, discovering the next generation of stars, and raising the level of competition.
Companies mentioned:NTP Esports PLAZA、コミュファ eSports Stadium NAGOYA
[Hotel Collaboration Plan] Chapter 2 of the initiative by organic cosmetics brand Jurlique and GEN., a sauna and retreat with views of Mount Fuji, is now underway!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The second collaborative accommodation plan from Australian organic cosmetics brand Jurlique and GEN., a villa with spectacular views of Mount Fuji, offers “100 Skin Care Roses by Jurlique,” featuring 12 full-size skincare products for guests to try in their rooms. The plan proposes a retreat experience to soothe the mind and body.
What people with knee problems really want to regain is “the freedom to go where they want”—4割 of applicants hope to travel. Prayers were offered at 服部天神宮 for the wishes revealed through the “dream project” for knee-care supplement Ayumi and Class 3 drug Rakuda EXα.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sakura Forest conducted its “dream project” among 161 users of its knee-joint care products Ayumi and Rakuda EXα. More than 40% of applicants said they wanted to travel, highlighting how knee health is directly linked to freedom and quality of life. The wishes collected were offered in prayer on April 12 at 服部天神宮, known as the “shrine of the feet.”
June 20, 2026 (Sat.): “Rugby Wandaho! CRUISING” returns to Kobe. The much-loved onboard event is back for its highly anticipated 第2弾!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The second onboard talk event for the popular rugby program “Rugby Wandaho!” will be held in Kobe on June 20, 2026. Guests Anna Asano, Hiroaki Taniguchi, and Koichi Murakami will join the event, which offers rugby talk and a cruise alongside a lavish meal.
NODE, a futuristic coffee stand launched by a former accountant at a major company in the United States, makes its first appearance at a post-Expo event
CyberAgent and Shochiku announced that the popular Weekly Shonen Jump manga Kagurabachi will be adapted into a TV anime in April 2027. Cypic will handle production, with Tetsuya Takeuchi as director. A world tour of advance screenings of episode 1 will also be held in locations around the world starting in summer 2026.
Mavericks Inc. to update slide-generation feature for its video-generation AI NoLang soon! AI slide generation in vertical 9:16 format, compatible with TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, is planned.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Mavericks Inc., operator of video-generation AI NoLang, will launch a vertical 9:16 slide-generation feature optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels and other platforms in late April 2026. The feature will automatically create full-screen smartphone content from text and PDFs.
Advance fan screening confirmed to mark the Blu-ray release of Project Sekai COLORFUL LIVE 5th - Frontier -!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An advance fan screening will be held at cinemas nationwide on July 18, 2026, to mark the Blu-ray release of the 3DCG live show “Sekai Live 5th” from Project Sekai. The fan event will give audiences a chance to experience footage from 2 daytime and evening performances on the big screen before the BD release.
[Lunch Course Renewal!] New offerings from Chinese cuisine restaurant Sangu, for special moments enjoyed amid serene surroundings and scenic views.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chinese restaurant Sangu, located in Osaka's 梅田スカイビル, will revamp its lunch courses starting May 1, 2026. It will introduce 3 new courses for weekdays, holidays, and special days, serving Cantonese cuisine that blends tradition and innovation alongside spectacular views.
A popular event returns! A collaboration live show crossing genre boundaries! Actor-and-comedian comedy show “Shogeki Huit vol.3” on May 4 (Mon., holiday) and 5 (Tue., holiday)—tickets on sale now!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Shogeki Huit vol.3,” a collaborative live show pairing actors and comedians, will be held in Tsukishima, Tokyo, on May 4 and 5, 2026. The entertainment event brings together 4 popular actors, including Yuho Matsui, and 4 comedians from 松竹芸能 for genre-crossing chemistry.
[Performance Report] Ice cream shop achieves 300% year-on-year sales growth with “store × e-commerce integration × social media consulting”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BOTANICO, which provides marketing support, implemented a “store × e-commerce integration × social media consulting” program for an ice cream shop, achieving sales of 300% year on year. The key to its success was coordinating Instagram, MEO, and e-commerce improvements on a modest monthly budget of ¥50,000, integrating the customer journey between the physical store and online channels.
“MAD5,” bringing together 5 “MAD comedians” with fiercely distinctive personalities who defy convention, will begin regular broadcasts on ABEMA at 11 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ABEMA will begin regular broadcasts of the variety show “MAD5” on May 4, 2026. Five uniquely individual comedians, including Cookie!, will develop a project that originated on YouTube on a scale comparable to terrestrial TV.
A special stage packed with the appeal of Vivid BAD SQUAD: “Project Sekai Unit Fan Meeting: Vivid BAD SQUAD in Hyogo” will be streamed live exclusively on ABEMA PPV on Saturday, May 16!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ABEMA will exclusively stream the “Project Sekai” fan meeting “Vivid BAD SQUAD in Hyogo,” to be held on May 16, 2026. Ticket sales begin on April 27, and the event will feature live performances, live voice recording by the cast, and exclusive benefits.
Latest information on “Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2” from April 30 onward revealed! “God Gundam” and “Freedom Gundam” confirmed to join the PS5/PS4 version!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that “God Gundam” and “Freedom Gundam” will be added to the PS5/PS4 version of “Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2,” and that the “Golden Week Campaign” will begin on April 30.
Why not join us in thinking about the so-called “Good Samaritan law”? Participants sought for a public symposium hosted by the Japan Medical Association.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On May 24, the Japan Medical Association will hold a public symposium to consider legislation for a “Good Samaritan law” protecting emergency aid provided outside medical facilities, and is seeking members of the public to attend.
[Toranomon “Great Debate Festival” event report] Celebrating 10 years! Archived stream now on sale through eplus.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The 10th anniversary event for the online program “Toranomon News,” the “Great Debate Festival,” was held on April 26, 2026. Prominent commentators including Haruo Kitamura and Yoichi Takahashi gathered for debates that came close to crossing the line into prohibited broadcast content. Archive-stream tickets with special benefits are now on sale through eplus.
REJECT VTuber Hanamae Haru makes debut, begins activities on Monday, April 27.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A new VTuber, Hanamae Haru, has joined the streamer division of esports team REJECT and will begin activities on April 27, 2026. Commemorative merchandise and voice recordings will also go on sale to coincide with the debut stream on May 1.
First in Japan’s building maintenance industry to achieve a “ZEB” headquarters! Becoming a trusted partner that safeguards customers’ peace of mind.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Rose Building Service Co., Ltd. of Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, has achieved Japan’s first “ZEB” (Net Zero Energy Building) headquarters in the building maintenance industry through renovations to its head office. It reduced primary energy consumption to effectively zero or below (a 105% reduction), combining decarbonization with business continuity during disasters.
[セント レジス ホテル 大阪] Savor expressive croissants and a rich variety of flavors that evoke the spirit of Parisian brasseries: “Bread & Flavor by NESPRESSO (Nespresso).”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
セント レジス ホテル 大阪 will hold a limited-time promotion, “Bread & Flavor by NESPRESSO,” in partnership with Nespresso from May 2 to June 21, 2026. A variety of croissants and savory dishes, along with innovative drinks and sweets made with Nespresso coffee, will be served at the brasserie RÉGINE.