10 received, 10 listed, 2 sources
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 5 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 5 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell held his final press conference as chair following a policy meeting and said he intends to remain on the Board of Governors after his term ends. As the confirmation process for chair nominee Warsh advances, Powell addressed the Justice Department's investigation and stressed the Federal Reserve's political independence.
Companies mentioned：美國聯邦準備理事會 (Fed)、法新社、美國司法部
Former U.S. President Trump said he would not lift the naval blockade unless Iran agreed to a nuclear deal. He rejected Iran's proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade, and postponed nuclear talks. He stressed that a blockade is more effective than bombing and that Iran should not have nuclear weapons.
Companies mentioned：Axios、中央社
The NBA announced its Teammate of the Year award, which went to 37-year-old veteran center DeAndre Jordan of ニューオーリンズ・ペリカンズ. He received the most votes from active players and earned the honor, which represents the league's best teammate spirit.
Companies mentioned：ニューオーリンズ・ペリカンズ、ポートランド・トレイルブレイザーズ、デンバー・ナゲッツ
The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), responding to soaring energy prices caused by the war in the Middle East, decided at its policy meeting to leave interest rates unchanged for the 3rd consecutive time. Markets are watching Chair Powell's press conference.
Former U.S. President Trump suggested at a meeting with oil industry executives that the naval blockade against Iran could continue for several months. This could affect global oil markets.
Companies mentioned：雪佛龍 (Chevron)
Tiida Tech Ltd released Stampo, a service that generates 40 images for LINE stickers through AI chat. Users can easily create original stickers from 1 photo, and use them as submission materials for LINE Creators Market.
Companies mentioned：Tiida Tech Ltd、LINE Creators Market
RELIVE, a fully private hair salon for men concerned about hair loss, will open a new location in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, in May 2026. The Narita location will be its 2nd in Chiba Prefecture, offering hair designs specializing in AGA and M-shaped and O-shaped hair loss, along with one-on-one services in a private setting.
Kabushiki-gaisha Actually Kentaku opened on April 20, 2026, and launched a real estate service that offers “consultation and ongoing support” for vacant homes, going beyond simply selling or renting them. The company provides practical solutions in collaboration with specialists for vacant-home owners facing complex challenges such as inheritance and difficulties with property management, while also contributing to the resolution of local issues.
Okayama University announced that a research group from 東北大学 and 京都大学 has made the first discovery that a two-dimensional metal-organic framework (2D-MOF) functions as an all-in-one cocatalyst in photocatalytic overall water splitting (OWS). This enables highly efficient and stable clean hydrogen production and contributes to the realization of a sustainable hydrogen society.
Companies mentioned：東北大学、京都大学、科学技術振興機構（JST）、日本学術振興会（JSPS）、旭硝子財団、日本板硝子材料工学助成会、ENEOS東燃ゼネラル研究奨励・奨学会、泉科学技術振興財団
yamm dailyplus Co., Ltd. will hold “Smile Mama & Baby Festa in Tokyo 2026,” a popular event that has welcomed a total of more than 30,000 visitors, for the first time in Hamamatsucho on May 1 and 2, 2026. The event will be held on the first Saturday of Golden Week and will feature 6 highlights, including photo booths and crawling races for the whole family to enjoy.
Companies mentioned：ノウル