90 received, 90 listed, 2 sources
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 48 items from 1 source; Japan, 42 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Czech artist Kateřina Šedá has published The Collection of the Nation’s Bad Habits, a book compiling 9,230 “bad habits” submitted by members of the public. The book aims to humorously portray the Czech national character and bring people closer together by viewing shortcomings positively and sharing them.
Hualien police spotted a car and a motorcycle involved in suspicious transactions and, after a pursuit, issued a total of 31 traffic tickets and imposed fines of about NT$120,000. A patrol car also crashed into the exterior wall of a store during the chase, but no one was injured.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that actors and screenplays generated by AI are ineligible for Oscar consideration. The new rules clarify that only performances and screenplays created by actual human beings qualify.
Companies mentioned：アメリカ映画芸術科学アカデミー
Premier Cho Jung-tai attended the Nightingale Award ceremony and expressed gratitude for nurses’ dedication. The government aims to create a better workplace environment and provide reasonable compensation and benefits for nurses by hiring more staff, improving working conditions, certifying model workplaces and promoting integrated inpatient care services.
Companies mentioned：慈月社會福利慈善基金會、高雄市立小港醫院、佛教慈濟醫療財團法人花蓮慈濟醫院、台北榮民總醫院
CTBC Brothers manager Hirano Keiichi offered advice to Chiang Kun-yu, who has been struggling at the plate. He gave particular guidance on finding his rhythm and said Chiang was not yet in ideal form. To prepare for TSG Hawks submarine pitcher Huang Tzu-peng, CTBC Brothers practiced with an assistant batting coach who throws underhand.
Companies mentioned：中信兄弟隊、台鋼雄鷹隊
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A man surnamed Liu was arrested in Taichung, Taiwan, on suspicion of stealing more than NT$10,000 in cash from a motorcycle delivery box late at night. Police identified the suspect from surveillance footage and plan to refer him for prosecution on theft charges.
Taiwan Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang said that fully codifying the nurse-to-patient ratio standards known as “三班護病比,” as nursing groups have called for, would require adequate preparation time and a comprehensive implementation plan to prevent hospital closures and longer patient wait times. Related discussions are set to begin soon.
味全龍 pitcher Tseng Jen-ho was sent down to the minor leagues after a strong outing. Manager Yeh Chun-chang said that amid competition with foreign pitchers, local pitchers’ overall ability needs to improve and rotation intervals need to be adjusted.
Companies mentioned：味全龍
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Companies mentioned：兆豐銀、華銀、一銀、彰銀、合庫銀、台企銀、土銀、台銀、海能風電（Formosa 2）、渢妙離岸風電計畫
In his YouTube show, entertainer Hu Gua took on a “professional exterior wall construction team” challenge, trying high-altitude work, cement repairs and rappelling from the 7th floor. The experience showed firsthand that the grueling job requires physical stamina and overcoming fear.
A game in Taiwan’s professional baseball league was briefly halted when Chen Chun-hsiu’s swing hit catcher Chen Shih-chia. Having also played catcher, Chen Chun-hsiu said he understood how Chen Shih-chia felt and spoke about the importance of safety.
Companies mentioned：中央社、台鋼雄鷹隊、中信兄弟
The bail condition for a woman surnamed Li, who damaged a store in Kaohsiung, was amended from requiring regular reports to prosecutors to requiring reports to the Kaohsiung District Court. The change followed a High Court remand ruling after the reporting requirement to prosecutors sparked controversy.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that it had established the Phoenix Taiwan Trade and Investment Center in Phoenix, Arizona, to deepen supply chain cooperation between Taiwan and the United States. Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin visited TSMC’s Arizona plant, aiming to build a more resilient international supply chain.
Companies mentioned：台積電 (TSMC)
During China’s May Day holiday, the cancellation rate for international flights doubled year-on-year to 7.4%. The main reasons cited were that soaring oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East had pushed ticket prices below the cost of fuel, and airlines were suspending unprofitable routes.
Companies mentioned：四川走遍全球國際旅遊有限公司成都分公司
During the week from April 26 to May 2, numerous major events took place at home and abroad, including an attempted assassination of President Trump, the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC, a reduction in US troops stationed in Germany, the formation of a northern naval force led by the UK, efforts by the FCC to tighten restrictions on Chinese-made electronic devices, elections for the Tibetan government-in-exile, riots following the killing of an Indigenous girl in Australia, Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI, a surge in measles cases in Japan, a meeting between Taiwan’s president and an envoy of the king of Eswatini, and Taiwanese pork’s return to the Philippine market.
Companies mentioned：OPEC、OPEC+、OpenAI、FCC
The Tainan City Government recognized Huang Mei-mei, chair of 南聲社, as a preserver of Nanguan music and awarded her a cultural heritage registration certificate. Huang was introduced to Nanguan as a child at 南聲社, which has a history of more than 100 years. The recognition honored her refined artistry and longstanding contribution to passing on the tradition.
Companies mentioned：南聲社
The leaders of Japan and Vietnam held a summit and agreed to cooperate in areas including crude oil and rare earths to address the situation in the Middle East. They identified economic security and science and technology as priority areas and exchanged memorandums of understanding on AI and energy.
Companies mentioned：日本貿易保険 (NEXI)
A scam group posing as a distributor of Mazu, the goddess of the sea, good-luck items tricked members of the public through online ads, causing losses of NT$70,000 and the freezing of bank accounts. 刑事局 urged the public to be vigilant and recommended seeking help through AI customer service.
Companies mentioned：中央社、刑事局、警政署、Facebook
Wang Po-jung of 台鋼雄鷹隊 injured his right hamstring while stealing a base in a professional baseball game. A trainer said the artificial turf at Taipei Dome had become softer, increasing the strain on players.
Companies mentioned：台鋼雄鷹隊、中信兄弟
Starting in September, Taitung County will “upgrade” free school lunches for elementary and junior high students, serving main dishes such as chicken legs, pork and mahi-mahi once a week. Side dishes will also be increased to 2 times a week, with fruit and dairy products among the offerings.
Companies mentioned：台東縣政府、台東縣政府教育處
Wildlife conservation groups are concerned that the use of rat poison in urban areas harms ecosystems and could reduce predators through the food chain. They have also reported findings of rat poison components in birds of prey and warned that overuse of the poison can backfire.
Companies mentioned：台灣猛禽研究會、台灣爬行類動物保育協會
國家文化藝術基金會 has a new leadership team, with Peng Chun-heng as chair and Yen Chi-pin as executive director. The foundation plans to digitize a database of 30 years of grant results and advance cultural policy as a “builder of the arts and cultural ecosystem.”
Companies mentioned：國家文化藝術基金會、文化部
Following a tragic murder linked to “elderly caring for elderly” in Tainan, Mayor Huang Wei-che said the city would shorten the time it takes to intervene in care cases and would not rule out compulsory intervention in inappropriate situations.
Companies mentioned：遠東百貨花蓮店
Lin Mei-hsiu, Chang Tsai-hsing and Lin Chia-chen appeared together on the food travel show 我們這一家, where generational language gaps provided comic moments. The show depicts Lin Mei-hsiu and others teasing the youth slang “蛋雕,” saying they are bad at Taiwanese, and also serves to promote the program.
Companies mentioned：TVBS
Big Sister, Virtuous, a short film by Taiwan-born, US-based director Tsai Yu-han, has been selected for the San Francisco International Film Festival. Starring Yang Kuei-mei, the film portrays the roles and struggles of women in rural Taiwan.
US Defense Department official Pete Hegseth outlined the Indo-Pacific strategy to Congress, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating “undeniable US military power” as a deterrent to China.
Companies mentioned：中央社、VOA（美國之音）
A woman fell from a height of about 10 meters at the Longdong climbing area in Gongliao District, New Taipei City, and was found in cardiac arrest. She was airlifted to a hospital by an air rescue helicopter and is receiving emergency treatment.
Penghu Marine and Fisheries Vocational High School won awards in all 5 categories at the national high school vocational skills and creative contest, taking 2 second-place awards, 2 third-place awards and 1 honorable mention. The school advanced to the national finals.
During the “May Day” holiday in Hangzhou, China, the “Hangjing Zhixing” system, comprising 15 traffic management robots, was introduced. The robots direct traffic and issue warnings for violations, allowing police officers to focus on more complex duties.
Companies mentioned：杭州公安局
Stephen Owen, a renowned scholar of Tang poetry and the recipient of the 3rd Tang Prize in Sinology, has died at the age of 81. 唐奨基金会 expressed deep condolences and praised his writings and contributions.
Companies mentioned：中央社、唐奨基金会、ハーバード大学、台湾師範大学
Veteran musician Han Cheng-hao died on April 30. His wife, Chung Shao-lan, announced his death on Facebook, prompting many online users to pay tribute. Han had been battling colorectal cancer and Alzheimer’s disease in recent years.
Several Canadian lawmakers expressed support for Taiwan and protested remarks by China’s ambassador to Canada on Taiwan, in which he called the Taiwan issue a “red line” and warned against visits by lawmakers and naval vessels passing through. The episode highlighted tensions in Canada-China relations and over Taiwan’s international status.
A US House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party said an investigation found that the Zambian government helped China conceal one of the worst mineral pollution incidents on record involving Chambishi Copper Smelter, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Mining Corporation.
Companies mentioned：中國有色礦業（CNMC）、謙比希濕法冶煉有限公司（Sino-Metals Leach）
A private high school in Taichung has launched an investigation after 2 male students were suspected of using deepfake technology to create and distribute inappropriate images of female students. Reports say about 20 people were affected.
Following a recent surge in rats in Taipei’s urban areas, the Ministry of Environment issued new guidelines on rodent control. The guidelines emphasize making environmental improvements the top priority and using rat poison only as a last resort, with the aim of balancing ecosystem protection and public health.
According to Hong Kong media reports, a U.S. military C-17 transport aircraft landed at Beijing Capital Airport on May 1, ahead of former U.S. President Trump’s visit to China. It is believed to have been carrying supplies needed for Trump’s visit in advance.
Companies mentioned：星島日報網、北京新浪網
World-renowned Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder is visiting Taiwan and will perform Brahms’s piano concertos in consecutive appearances at the National Concert Hall in Taipei and the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts. Despite being nearly 80, he has demonstrated remarkable stamina and passion for music, and praised Taiwan’s strong commitment to arts and cultural education.
Companies mentioned：中央社、国家交響楽団 (NSO)
CPC Corporation, Taiwan, announced that it will keep gasoline and diesel prices unchanged next week to help stabilize people’s livelihoods and prices at home, despite soaring international crude oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East. The amount absorbed since the end of February is expected to reach about 13.2 billion Taiwan dollars.
Companies mentioned：中央社、台灣中油公司
A U.S. appeals court ruled to temporarily halt the mailing of the abortion drug mifepristone. As a result, women will have to obtain the drug in person at clinics. The drug’s distributors have indicated they intend to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
Companies mentioned：丹科實驗室 (Danco Laboratories)
Cuba strongly criticized former U.S. President Trump’s stated intention to impose new sanctions on the country and pursue “seizure,” calling it “collective punishment.” A large demonstration was held outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana on May Day.
Companies mentioned：中央社、法新社
Taiwanese employer groups criticized imbalances in the migrant worker system, gathered on Ketagalan Boulevard to call for “protection of employers’ rights,” and urged the government to halt the collection of employment security fees and eliminate gaps in caregiving coverage.
Companies mentioned：台湾失能者家庭雇主協會、台灣失能者家庭暨看護雇主國際協會、中華民國脊髓損傷者聯合會、脊髓損傷潛能發展中心、全國漁會
NBA star LeBron James scored 28 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 98-78 to advance past Round 1 of the playoffs. They will face the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder next. Rui Hachimura also made a strong contribution with 21 points.
Companies mentioned：中央社、美聯社、法新社、洛杉磯湖人 (Los Angeles Lakers)、休士頓火箭 (Houston Rockets)、奧克拉荷馬雷霆 (Oklahoma City Thunder)、丹佛金塊 (Denver Nuggets)、金州勇士 (Golden State Warriors)
OriginalMLBシカゴ・ホワイトソックスの村上宗隆選手が、サンディエゴ・パドレス戦で今季13号となる3点本塁打を放ち、ナ・リーグとア・リーグ全体で本塁打数単独トップに躍り出た。このペースを維持すれば、シーズン65本塁打も視野に入る。
Companies mentioned：シカゴ・ホワイトソックス、サンディエゴ・パドレス、Full-Count、ニューヨーク・ヤンキース、ヒューストン・アストロズ、ロサンゼルス・エンゼルス
The Tong'anliao Twelve Villages Mazu Pilgrimage, registered as an intangible cultural heritage of Changhua County, was held, as the county magistrate and representatives welcomed the Mazu statue from Lukang Tianhou Temple, launching a traditional event that has continued for nearly 200 years.
Original台北市政府は無煙都市を推進するため、西門町と中山商圏に屋外喫煙室19ヶ所を設置する計画を進めています。蔣万安市長は、西門町と中山商圏の屋外負圧式喫煙室を5月に供用開始すると発表しました。
Companies mentioned：中央社、台北市政府
Yilan County police announced that traffic congestion is expected on northbound lanes of National Freeway 5 on the afternoon of day 2 of the Labor Day holiday period. A peak in return-home traffic is also expected at night, and travelers are advised to plan ahead.
Companies mentioned：宜蘭縣政府
A labor union at Samsung Biologics in South Korea is demanding an average 14% pay raise and 30 million won in incentives, and went on strike starting on Labor Day. The company has rejected the demands, and losses from production disruptions could reach at least 640 billion won.
Companies mentioned：三星生物製剤 (Samsung Biologics)
OriginalRagate株式会社は、AIを活用しUIデザイン工程を完全に自動化する「AI Vibe Design」の提供を開始しました。プロンプトエンジニアリングで直接画面を実装し、開発期間を最大60%削減、市場投入を加速します。
Companies mentioned：Ragate株式会社、ラーゲイト、AWS、Figma
Young actor Kaiki Kimura released his first photo book, “Kaiki,” and held a launch event on May 2. At the event, he thanked his fans and spoke about his aspirations for age 25, saying, “I want to keep pushing myself and holding myself to high standards,” expressing his enthusiasm for his future activities.
Companies mentioned：東京ニュース通信社、テレビ朝日、テレビ神奈川
Original「新しい未来のテレビ」ABEMAは、櫻坂46のライブイベント『櫻坂46 14th Single BACKS LIVE!!』を2026年5月12日・13日に「ABEMA PPV」で生放送することを決定しました。16名の新体制BACKSメンバーによる進化したパフォーマンスが披露され、村山美羽が初の座長を務め、2日目には武元唯衣の卒業セレモニーも実施されます。
Companies mentioned：ABEMA、櫻坂46
The AI character chat app “kaiwa,” operated by Livetoon, has revamped its service concept from “supportive conversational AI” to “AI friends” and released a major update adding personalized conversations and a feature that lets users choose the nature of their relationship. The app aims to make AI a presence that expands people’s choices in life.
Companies mentioned：株式会社Livetoon
A vinyl record featuring a 2026 remaster of Kyoko Koizumi’s classic “Fade Out” and remixes by an impressive lineup of artists will be released by U/M/A/A in fall 2026. Riding the revival of “Japanese techno kayokyoku” in Europe, it will also be distributed internationally by Rush Hour.
Companies mentioned：U/M/A/A、Rush Hour、KIMKEN STUDIO、出光エナジーステーション、音楽ナタリー
Tomi City will send community development volunteers to support students’ inquiry-based learning during “Integrated Inquiry Studies” at Nagano Prefectural Tōmi Seishō High School. The initiative aims to address local issues and rediscover the area’s appeal, offering diverse perspectives through dialogue between local residents and students.
Companies mentioned：長野県立東御清翔高等学校
株式会社Carry On has launched a sticker collection featuring “FCF (Food Court Fighters),” popular characters created by its affiliated creator “えばそんEntertainment.” Options include a random pack of 3 stickers and a complete set available by limited made-to-order sale. Orders will be accepted for a limited time starting May 2, 2026.
Companies mentioned：株式会社Carry On、えばそんEntertainment
株式会社レンサ has made “Fortune for the second half of 2026, read using Four Pillars of Destiny” available to the public on the official fortune-telling website of popular fortune teller Leon Kinoshita. The paid content offers detailed readings of individual fortunes, career prospects, finances and major turning points based on date and time of birth.
Nogizaka46 member Saya Kanagawa has unveiled an orange swimsuit photo as the 2nd advance preview from her 1st photo book. Photographed in Dubrovnik, it showcases her striking figure. The book will be released on June 30, 2026.
Companies mentioned：DONUTS、主婦の友社
WOWOW will exclusively broadcast live the Japan finale of K-pop group EXO’s world tour, their first in about 6 years, from LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY in Chiba on July 12. Following the group’s return to activities in December 2025 and the release of their 8th album in January this year, a Japan tour will begin in May 2026.
Companies mentioned：WOWOW
株式会社ACLIVE is marking its 150th anniversary by changing its name and evolving into a comprehensive housing solutions company integrating seismic-control technology and architectural design, building on expertise gained as a timber wholesaler. The company has renewed its commitment to carrying the value of homes into the future.
Companies mentioned：株式会社 ＡＣＬＩＶＥ、なかやしき株式会社
In May 2026, Straxis Co., Ltd. fully launched “Straxis ch,” its official YouTube channel that publishes client results from advertising campaigns using real names and specific figures. The channel aims to promote transparency in the industry and provide companies looking for advertising partners with information to guide their decisions.
Companies mentioned：Compass
“Sumiyaki Unagi to Tokusen Wagyu Fujisan,” a new brand supervised by 昼だけうなぎ屋, operated by 株式会社アクトコミュニティ, has arrived for the first time in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, a fiercely competitive market for eel, as its 8th location. It serves high-quality Japanese eel and premium wagyu at reasonable prices, and features authentic charcoal-grilled eel dishes and seasonal tempura.
Companies mentioned：株式会社アクトコミュニティ、昼だけうなぎ屋
株式会社FS.shake will open “Private Rooms Available: Hakata Public Tavern Airashika Kagoshima Tenmonkan” in Kagoshima’s Tenmonkan district on May 2, 2026. To mark the opening, it will run a ¥0 draft beer campaign from May 7 to 9 and serve Hakata specialties at great value.
合同会社こどもいろ will open こどもいろ大野城, a child development support and after-school day service facility in Onojo, Fukuoka Prefecture, on May 1, 2026. For the company, which has expanded mainly in Kitakyushu, this marks its first move into the area around Fukuoka City and will be its 12th directly operated facility.
“LTK Season: Pandemonium,” the new season of “League The k4sen (LTK),” hosted by streamer k4sen of the professional esports team “ZETA DIVISION,” kicks off with support from Riot Games. Running from May 8 to June 21, the season will feature fierce “League of Legends” competition among influencers.
Companies mentioned：GANIMEDE株式会社、Riot Games
ABEMA announced that it will stream all episodes of the 4th season of the popular anime “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” for free on May 3. The event is part of a special Golden Week promotion, and all episodes of previous seasons are also streaming free now.
Companies mentioned：ABEMA、株式会社KADOKAWA
Tamagawa Takashimaya will hold its “Early Summer Grand Hokkaido Fair” from May 8. The event highlights king crab, strawberries and asparagus coming into season amid climate change and technological advances, showcasing the flavors of Hokkaido today. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive products and dine-in options.
Companies mentioned：札幌蟹工船、マルヒロ太田食品、うに専門店 世壱屋、ピカタの森 駒ヶ岳牛乳、うらかわ菅農園、三角山アップルパイ専門店、野楽、おおともチーズ工房、パークデリ、鮨茶寮 四季彩
Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka will hold “Terih a Sports Fest,” with free admission, at Terih a Sekisui House Arena in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, on May 16, 2026. Aiming to revitalize the community and promote sports, the event will offer a variety of sports activities and opportunities to meet players, with something for everyone from children to adults.
株式会社FS.shake has grand-opened Torii Chizu Nishikujo, a casual chicken tavern with private rooms, in Nishikujo, Osaka. The venue has karaoke and offers a ¥0 draft beer campaign and all-you-can-eat and drink courses, encouraging visits for a variety of occasions.
株式会社ちーの will open a demonstration of “rice farming without transplanting,” using drones, to the public in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, on May 19, 2026. Multiple drones work together to sow seeds, apply fertilizer and spray herbicides at the same time, aiming to cut labor by 70% and address the shortage of farmers.
Companies mentioned：シガ環境メンテナンス株式会社、クボタ、DJI
NOTEリノベーション＆デザイン (NIPPONIA) and Sauna Inn have signed a capital and business alliance. Combining the use of historic buildings with saunas, they will work together to revitalize local communities and create high-value wellness tourism.
Companies mentioned：NOTEリノベーション＆デザイン、サウナイン株式会社、NOTEグループ
株式会社ダイイチ oversaw the overall design of the VIP attendant staff uniforms for GREEN×EXPO 2027. Designed by students of Iwasaki Gakuen and brought to production by Toray, the uniforms combine style, practicality and sustainability and will be worn at the 2027 expo.
Companies mentioned：公益社団法人２０２７年国際園芸博覧会協会、学校法人岩崎学園、東レ株式会社
The GREEN×EXPO 2027 Association has unveiled the uniforms to be worn by VIP attendants at the 2027 International Horticultural Expo. Students of 学校法人岩崎学園 designed the uniforms, with 東レ株式会社 and 株式会社ダイイチ responsible for production. The design is based on muscari and “wa,” and uses materials selected with sustainability in mind.
Companies mentioned：GREEN×EXPO協会、学校法人岩崎学園、株式会社ダイイチ、東レ株式会社
レンデックス, a lending-based crowdfunding service, began accepting investments on May 1, 2026, for real estate-backed loan fund No. 1834, which offers an annual interest rate of 9.5%. The yield is above average, and investments start at ¥20,000.
KAWAII LAB. announced that “KAWAII LAB. SESSION 2026 SUMMER” will be held over 2 days in summer 2026 at Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium. It will also hold “KAWAII LAB. SESSION” for the first time in Okinawa and Nagasaki in June and Sendai in July, bringing idol events to locations across Japan. An expanded edition of a documentary about producer Misa Kimura will also be released on YouTube.
Companies mentioned：MBS毎日放送
Native Camp Study Abroad is offering a tuition discount promotion from April to July 2026 at Canadian language school SGIC (Toronto/Vancouver). In partnership with its online English conversation service, the promotion offers an appealing option for students considering studying abroad.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ネイティブキャンプ、SGIC
株式会社FS.shake will grand-open Torii Chizu Maebashi, a casual chicken tavern with private rooms, in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, on May 1, 2026. To mark the opening, it will run a ¥0 draft beer campaign from May 7 to 9. The restaurant offers signature chicken dishes and all-you-can-eat and drink courses, providing satisfying meals at affordable prices.
Companies mentioned：株式会社FS.shake
The Fourth Shikoku Retro Shopping Street Flea Market will be held in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, on May 16 and 17, 2026. More than 80,000 retro goods and antiques from the Showa and Heisei eras will be on display at this indoor event, which can be enjoyed by three generations of a family.
Following its location at Mount Takao, Arc'teryx has opened “ARC'TERYX TRAIL HUB YOYOGI” for a limited time in Yoyogi Park. The hub provides city runners with the knowledge and gear they need to get started with trail running.
Companies mentioned：Runtrip BASE YOYOGI PARK、Runtrip
The hugely popular Korean characters “カムンとアント” will open their first pop-up store in Japan at Yurakucho Marui for a limited time. Highlights include limited-edition merchandise and a collaboration cafe. The event runs from May 8 to 21, 2026, and will operate by reservation for the first 3 days.
Companies mentioned：丸井、株式会社丸井、株式会社コンテンツセブン
Abies Ventures Co., Ltd. has completed fundraising for Abies Ventures Fund II, a fund specializing in deep tech, raising a total of ¥8 billion. Backed by domestic government-affiliated funds, major companies and overseas family offices, the fund will step up investment in Japanese seed- and early-stage deep tech startups.
Mother's Day gift media outlet “Mother's Day.me” has announced a best-sellers ranking focused on recovery wear for Mother's Day 2026. Among the “recovery gifts” attracting attention in recent years, recovery wear is particularly popular. Helping reduce fatigue just by wearing it, it has become a new staple as “all-around care” that soothes the mind, body and spirit. The ranking is based on sales data and search trends.
Companies mentioned：TENTIAL、VENEX、MTG、AOKI
アドインテ is sponsoring “VTUBER EXPO 2026” and will install its signage IoT vending machine “AIICO” at the venue. AIICO will distribute limited-edition NEXUS cards, sell NFT digital voice cards and bring back the NEXUS general election finals group for resale. Starter decks for the new TCG “NEXUS” will also be sold in advance. The event will offer visitors a special experience through an interactive promotion for VTuber fans.
Companies mentioned：アドインテ、VTUBER EXPO実行委員会、株式会社VEXZ
Asahi Print Co., based in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, will refresh the cover designs of about 100 abacus education materials starting in summer 2026. Art director 横川知宏 and artist タイチ created the designs, in which placing multiple books side by side completes a single picture. The project aims to boost children's motivation to learn.
Companies mentioned：日本珠算連盟、全国珠算教育連盟、全国珠算学校連盟
“P3,” an NMN supplement produced by YouTuber Hikaru, was featured in Nikkei Trendy, released on May 2, 2026. Following a major overhaul on April 15, the product has increased its NMN content and added the new ingredient ergothioneine. It is attracting attention as a next-generation inner-care supplement that supports beauty and health from multiple angles.
Companies mentioned：株式会社LADDER、日経BP
Study Chain Inc. has analyzed 25 years of selection data for its coaching service for private medical school holistic admissions, and substantially revamped its teaching curriculum and approach to creating preparation plans. The service aims to maximize pass rates in the 2027 admissions cycle.
About 200 students from 国際音楽・ダンス・エンタテイメント専門学校 took part in a hands-on SDGs class through a cleanup at Hiyoriyama Coast and a lecture on the SDGs by Professor Toshio Murayama of 新潟大学. The initiative gives students firsthand experience of the SDGs and encourages them to contribute to the local community.
Companies mentioned：国際音楽・ダンス・エンタテイメント専門学校、NSGグループ、日東成工株式会社、新潟大学
The cheerful puzzle game “Snoopy Drops” will hold its 2nd collaboration event with the “Hiroshima Snoopy Festival” starting May 2. Players can earn a limited-edition collaboration wallpaper by clearing puzzles, and a 3rd installment is also in the works.
Companies mentioned：Peanuts Worldwide LLC、CAPCOM
Lively Inc. successfully held the first session of the Active Listening Association-certified associate training course. 33 people attended online, and about 95% said they were satisfied. The course offers a structured opportunity to learn “listening skills” to address the “poverty of dialogue” in modern society.
Companies mentioned：一般社団法人アクティブリスニング協会
An exhibition of works by artist Takashi Kitami, who has created cover art for works by Jiro Akagawa and Riku Onda, is running at Sendai Fujisaki Omachi Building, 5th floor, from 4/30 to 5/12. The show features new giclée prints and works incorporating foil, captivating visitors with their fantastical world.
Companies mentioned：サンリオ出版、アトリエサード、株式会社アートプリントジャパン
Age合同会社, which operates the next-generation VTuber agency “VPRO,” has published special interviews with 2 of its VTubers, 樹華にこ and 仙界シノブ. VPRO draws on its “in-depth one-on-one management system” and “advanced digital marketing” to strongly support VTubers' activities and help them achieve results in a short period.
Companies mentioned：Age合同会社、VPRO