# AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-03 21:00–24:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 20 items from 1 source; Japan, 15 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## Sanae Takaichi arrives in Australia to meet Albanese, discuss response to China’s rare-earth pressure

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:11:28+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030214.aspx
- anchor: #n298129
- Companies mentioned: 読売新聞、毎日新聞

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Australia and met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Key topics included economic security, energy and defense cooperation, and a joint statement on responding to China’s rare-earth pressure is expected to be coordinated.

## President: Largest-ever Taiwan-Eswatini cooperation; oil storage tanks and industrial innovation park have strategic significance

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:03:54+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605030211.aspx
- anchor: #n298132
- Companies mentioned: 海外投資開発公司、台灣世曦工程顧問公司

台湾の頼清徳総統がエスワティニを訪問し、「戦略的石油備蓄基地」と「台湾産業イノベーションパーク」が両国にとって建交以来最大かつ最も戦略的な協力計画であると強調した。

## Japanese poll: More than half of respondents want livelihoods prioritized; constitutional revision ranks low

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:00:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030213.aspx
- anchor: #n298130
- Companies mentioned: NHK、共同社

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her desire to revise the Constitution, but an NHK public opinion poll found that a majority of the public wanted civilian issues prioritized, with constitutional revision ranking low on the list of priorities.

## Vatican sources: Rubio expected to visit Italy on May 7 to meet the pope

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:59:24+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030212.aspx
- anchor: #n298131
- Companies mentioned: 路透社、共和報 (La Repubblica)、晩郵報 (Corriere della Sera)

バチカンの高官筋によると、アメリカのルビオ国務長官が5月7日にイタリアを訪れ、ローマ教皇レオ14世に謁見する予定。これはトランプ大統領の教皇批判が続く中での米閣僚と教皇の約1年ぶりの対面接触となる。

## 北市駁網傳亂投老鼠藥 位置與中央原則一致

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:47:35+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605030210.aspx
- anchor: #n298123

Taipei City’s Department of Environmental Protection denied online rumors that the city was “spraying rodenticide indiscriminately.” It stressed that disinfection teams receive specialized training and that spraying locations follow central government guidelines.

## Major OPEC+ members agree to raise production in June, a symbolic increase of more than 180,000 barrels

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:27:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202605030207.aspx
- anchor: #n298118
- Companies mentioned: OPEC+

Major OPEC+ members agreed to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in June, but the impact is expected to be limited and largely symbolic due to conflicts in the Middle East. A real increase in production would be difficult if the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues.

## Paper Windmill Theatre performs at Baishatun Gongtian Temple; Mazu takes the stage to offer blessings

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:27:15+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202605030209.aspx
- anchor: #n298116
- Companies mentioned: 紙風車劇團、紙風車文教基金會

紙風車劇團’s Taiwanese-language play “Shunfeng’er’s New Incense Burner” began performances at Miaoli’s Baishatun Gongtian Temple, with Mazu also appearing on stage to offer blessings. The devotional performance came about after the Baishatun Mazu Houli branch visited the troupe’s rehearsal in the past, and also aims to promote mother-tongue education.

## Sri Lankan police bust online scam center, arrest 37 Chinese nationals

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:24:38+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030206.aspx
- anchor: #n298119

Sri Lankan police raided an internet fraud center in the capital, Colombo, and arrested 37 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement. The operation was part of a wider crackdown by Sri Lankan authorities on cyber fraud by foreign nationals.

## Several Chinese rural banks dissolve in quick succession, with shareholder banks taking over assets and liabilities

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:23:13+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202605030208.aspx
- anchor: #n298117
- Companies mentioned: 江蘇大豊江南村鎮銀行、江蘇江南農村商業銀行、騰衝民生村鎮銀行、中國民生銀行、潼南民生村鎮銀行、普洱民生村鎮銀行、林芝民生村鎮銀行、天津農村商業銀行、天津津南村鎮銀行、青島農商銀行、青島即墨惠民村鎮銀行

Several Chinese village and township banks were approved for dissolution in a wave of action at the end of April due to risks from bad loans, media reports said, with their major shareholders, commercial banks, taking over their assets and liabilities. The move is part of reforms to small and medium-sized financial institutions and reflects the Chinese government’s drive to “reduce numbers and improve quality” in the sector.

## Agricultural mission makes deep inroads in Eswatini; president says red-fleshed guavas attest to Taiwan-Eswatini friendship

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:50:05+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605030205.aspx
- anchor: #n298113
- Companies mentioned: 國合會 (国際協力開発基金)

While visiting Taiwan’s diplomatic ally Eswatini, President Lai Ching-te highlighted high-quality red-heart guavas produced with support from an agricultural technology mission. The fruit symbolizes the deep and steady ties between Taiwan and Eswatini, and demonstrates how agricultural technology cooperation is strengthening the countries’ friendship.

## TPBL regular season finale: DEA beat the Kings to secure 4th place

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:37:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605030204.aspx
- anchor: #n298114
- Companies mentioned: 新北中信特攻、新北國王、桃園台啤永豐雲豹、福爾摩沙夢想家、新竹御嵿攻城獅、台北台新戰神、高雄全家海神

In the final regular-season game of the Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL), 新北中信特攻 defeated 新北國王 111-87 to secure 4th place in the regular-season standings. As a result, the team will have a 1-win advantage in the playoff qualifying round.

## 佛光山’s walking alms-and-prayer pilgrimage sets out; 8-day trek begins at the Buddha Museum

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:26:59+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605030203.aspx
- anchor: #n298106
- Companies mentioned: 佛光山

佛光山 launched its “International Ten Thousand Buddhas Three-Platform Ordination Pilgrimage and Alms Round” in Kaohsiung, with 250 newly ordained monks and nuns setting out on an 8-day alms pilgrimage. On the first day, they reached the Buddha Museum, forming a procession stretching several kilometers. Many devotees and tourists made offerings and prayed for good health and family harmony.

## Interior Ministry: Hsu Chun-ying failed to hold overdue elections for association directors and supervisors; legal action to follow

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:23:57+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605030202.aspx
- anchor: #n298107
- Companies mentioned: 中華両岸婚姻家庭服務聯盟、中華両岸婚姻協調促進會、中共民政部海峽兩岸婚姻家庭服務中心、中共中國國民黨革命委員會上海市委員會祖國和平統一促進委員會

台湾内政部は、反浸透法違反で起訴された徐春鶯が代表を務める「中華両岸婚姻家庭服務聯盟」が、理事・監事の任期満了にもかかわらず改選を怠ったため、人民団体法に基づき処分を行うと発表しました。この団体は、台湾在住の中国籍配偶者を中共当局が「不法監控」していた疑いも報じられています。

## South Korea’s next-generation medium-sized satellite successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:12:06+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ait/202605030199.aspx
- anchor: #n298110
- Companies mentioned: SpaceX、韓国航空宇宙産業（KAI）、韓国宇宙航空庁（KASA）

South Korea’s independently developed Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite 2 was successfully launched from California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket operated by U.S. company SpaceX. The satellite will be used for land-resource management and disaster response, and is expected to promote the development of private-sector space technology.

## Manager Yeh did not notice the two home runs; Chu Yu-hsien says he was too focused

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:09:55+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605030201.aspx
- anchor: #n298108
- Companies mentioned: 味全龍隊（味全ドラゴンズ）、富邦悍將隊（富邦ガーディアンズ）

Zhu Yuxian of the Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League hit 2 home runs against the Fubon Guardians, helping his team come from behind to win. Zhu said with a laugh that manager Yeh Chun-chang was so focused on the tense game that he did not notice Zhu’s second home run.

## Overseas exposure of financial holding 金控 hit a record 30.6 trillion in the first quarter; Japan entered the top 3 for the first time

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:01:52+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202605030200.aspx
- anchor: #n298109
- Companies mentioned: 金控、台積電（TSMC）

Overseas exposure among Taiwan’s financial holding companies (金控) reached a record NT$30.6 trillion in the first quarter of this year. Exposure to Japan rose 41.46% year-on-year, placing it among the top 3 destinations for the first time, as financial holding companies expanded their investments in Japan.

## South Korea’s next-generation medium-sized satellite successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9

- Published: 2026-05-03T20:54:50+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030199.aspx
- anchor: #n298098
- Companies mentioned: 美國太空探索科技公司（SpaceX）、韓國宇宙航空廳（KASA）、韓國航空宇宙產業公司（KAI）

South Korea’s Next-Generation Medium-Sized Satellite 2 was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from a Space Force base in California. The satellite was developed under the leadership of Korea Aerospace Industries and will be used for land-resource management and disaster response.

## Chiang Shao-ching returns to the first team, starts and pitches 3 scoreless innings; Lions beat the Monkeys for their 3rd straight win

- Published: 2026-05-03T20:51:15+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605030197.aspx
- anchor: #n298100
- Companies mentioned: 統一7-ELEVEn獅隊、樂天桃猿、中央通訊社

Taiwan’s Uni-Lions defeated the Rakuten Monkeys 4-1 to claim their 3rd consecutive win. Starting pitcher Jiang Shaoqing, making his return from injury, allowed no earned runs over 3 innings, while Pan Chieh-kai was named MVP after recording 2 hits and 1 RBI.

## Official U.S.-China exchanges increase markedly ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting

- Published: 2026-05-03T20:42:48+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202605030198.aspx
- anchor: #n298099
- Companies mentioned: 美國國務院、美國財政部、中國國務院

Ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, official contacts between the United States and China have increased significantly. At the same time, the United States is advancing legislation to restrict the transfer of AI technology to China, leaving the 2 sides in a complex relationship involving both cooperation and pressure.

## Hormuz Strait blockade prompts century-old German factory to produce urea amid fertilizer shortage

- Published: 2026-05-03T20:33:44+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605030196.aspx
- anchor: #n298101
- Companies mentioned: SKW、世界貿易組織（WTO）、德國肥料生產商協會

A German chemical plant with a history of more than 100 years is stepping up mass production of urea and ammonia to address fertilizer shortages caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The supply shortage is raising concerns that global food security could be threatened.

## [Okayama University] Analysis of infection trends and medical care provision in Okayama Prefecture (as of April 20, 2026)

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:28:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003974.000072793.html
- anchor: #n298124
- Companies mentioned: 国立健康危機管理研究機構、津山中央病院、岡山市立市民病院、川崎医科大学、デンタルダイヤモンド社

Okayama University released an analysis of the status of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, as well as medical care provision in Okayama Prefecture, based on data as of April 20, 2026. It reported that COVID-19 cases had edged up but remained generally stable, seasonal influenza was on a downward trend, and group A streptococcal pharyngitis was spreading.

## Yamaguchi of ZETA DIVISION’s STREET FIGHTER division wins EVO Japan 2026! Qualifies for CAPCOM CUP 13 and EWC 2026.

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:17:21+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000175.000041650.html
- anchor: #n298125
- Companies mentioned: GANIMEDE株式会社

Yamaguchi, a player with professional esports team ZETA DIVISION, won the Street Fighter 6 division at the fighting game tournament EVO Japan 2026, becoming the first Japanese player to achieve the feat. The victory earned him places at CAPCOM CUP 13 and the Esports World Cup 2026, where he will aim for the top spot in the world.

## Tooshi to hold a release event for 2nd single “PLAY PARADE”! Mini-live performances and meet-and-greets at HMV&BOOKS locations in Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa.

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:04:25+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000939.000060459.html
- anchor: #n298126
- Companies mentioned: HMV&BOOKS、REAL AKIBA BOYZ、RAB ESPICE

Anime song dance performer とぅーし will hold release events for the 2nd single “PLAY PARADE” at HMV&BOOKS locations in Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa. Mini-live performances and events where fans can receive merchandise directly from the performer are planned, along with the sale of special merchandise sets.

## [Okayama University] Fourth-year Faculty of Education students 吉岡千晴 and 宮原彩花瑠 receive volunteer awards

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:03:12+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003973.000072793.html
- anchor: #n298127
- Companies mentioned: 独立行政法人国立青少年教育振興機構、国立吉備青少年自然の家

Fourth-year Okayama University Faculty of Education students 吉岡千晴 and 宮原彩花瑠 received volunteer awards from 独立行政法人国立青少年教育振興機構. Their achievements in balancing their studies with volunteer work at 国立吉備青少年自然の家 were recognized.

## Poppin'Party×Roselia joint live show “DREAMS GO ON” report

- Published: 2026-05-03T23:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000009486.000014827.html
- anchor: #n298128

Poppin'Party and Roselia held their joint live show “DREAMS GO ON” at Ariake Arena on May 3, 2026, marking a highly successful return to performing in Japan after about 5 years. The show featured new and classic songs, covers and collaborative performances. New announcements included a Blu-ray release, a new single and a 10th-anniversary album for Roselia.

## [Okayama University] Okayama University holds awards ceremony for the Reiwa 7 fiscal year Volunteer and Coach Awards, Academic Society Award recipients, Student Culture Encouragement Awards and Student Sports Awards

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:46:23+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003972.000072793.html
- anchor: #n298120

Okayama University held an awards ceremony on March 23, 2026, for volunteer coaches supporting extracurricular activities in fiscal 2025, academic society award recipients, Student Culture Encouragement Award recipients and Student Sports Award recipients. The university honored 7 volunteer coaches, 13 students who received academic society awards, 104 individual students and 19 student organizations, demonstrating its commitment to supporting students’ diverse pursuits and growth.

## ワイハウ completes acquisition of 日本純金行社, making full-scale entry into precious metals and asset preservation

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:41:24+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000580.000001924.html
- anchor: #n298121
- Companies mentioned: 日本純金行株式会社、THE WHY HOW DO COMPANY株式会社

ワイハウ has completed its acquisition of 日本純金行社, making a full-scale entry into the precious metals and asset preservation fields. The strategic M&A aims to combine these areas with the company’s existing digital technologies to create new value and accelerate corporate growth.

## A comprehensive guide to the realities and challenges of life and beauty on the ISS: “SPACE BEAUTY BOOK B: ISS Edition” to be published on April 28, 2026

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:36:34+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000164297.html
- anchor: #n298122
- Companies mentioned: NASA、ESA、JAXA、Amazon

The General Incorporated Association Space Beauty Organization published “SPACE BEAUTY BOOK B: ISS Edition” on April 28, 2026, a comprehensive guide that systematizes the realities and challenges of life and beauty on the ISS. It serves as a practical resource to support research and development and business ventures in the emerging field of “space × beauty.”

## Toward closing the “food experience gap” for the next generation: Oishii Lab Inc. to hold a completely free charity event for children in Nishi-Azabu on Mother’s Day

- Published: 2026-05-03T22:29:25+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000180687.html
- anchor: #n298115
- Companies mentioned: Aubrey House、ダルマット西麻布本店、一般社団法人怪物の恩返し

Oishii Lab Inc. will hold a completely free charity event for children in Nishi-Azabu on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026. The event will help address disparities in food experiences and provide a setting for emotional education, creating an opportunity for parents and children to nurture gratitude together through an acai bowl workshop.

## [群馬クレインサンダーズ: Game Result] May 3 (Sun.) vs. 仙台89ERS | りそなグループ B.LEAGUE 2025-26 Season

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:39:13+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000158.000116683.html
- anchor: #n298111
- Companies mentioned: 群馬クレインサンダーズ、仙台89ERS、りそなグループ、三遠

群馬クレインサンダーズ won after prevailing in overtime against 仙台89ERS on May 3. 中村 sealed the hard-fought game with the winning shot, as the team reached 42 wins, its best record since being promoted to B1. The victory gave the team momentum heading into the championship.

## [THE WAVE] Nature-centered ambient live performance, 8th installment | A one-night-only concert in a Kyoto Zen temple, with Japanese candles illuminating a stage overlooking a dry landscape garden at night, inviting audiences to experience time and space @ Komyoin, a subtemple of Tofukuji

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:30:08+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000141671.html
- anchor: #n298112
- Companies mentioned: MOON LLC

MOON LLC announced that it will present “THE WAVE,” an ambient live performance at Komyoin, a subtemple of Tofukuji in Kyoto, as the 8th installment of its “TIME & SPACE ™︎” project, a philosophy of sound that engages in dialogue with nature. Japanese candles will illuminate a dry landscape garden at night for this one-night-only concert, inviting audiences to experience time and space.

## [Class T-shirt brand “クラTスタジオ” begins airing a commercial created in collaboration with 白鵬女子高等学校’s dance club on TVer and ABEMA]

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:24:21+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000060.000166889.html
- anchor: #n298102
- Companies mentioned: 白鵬女子高等学校、株式会社chikyubito

The new commercial for the class T-shirt production service “クラTスタジオ,” created in collaboration with 白鵬女子高等学校’s dance club, began airing on TVer and ABEMA on April 6, 2026. It expresses the theme of students’ “bonds with their friends” through the dynamic energy of dance and will be available through the end of June.

## [First-ever event] In pursuit of a bourbon-style whiskey originating in Japan: Special seminar featuring the head of Distillery Water Dragon in Mishima, Shizuoka, to be held at BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:07:39+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000096.000145570.html
- anchor: #n298103
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社ロイヤルマイル、Whiskey&Co.株式会社

BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club will host a special seminar on bourbon-style whiskey on May 17, 2026, with Whiskey&Co. and distillery head Masatoshi Yamaura as a speaker. The seminar will introduce industry professionals to a distinctly Japanese bourbon style.

## Strawberry Prince’s 10th anniversary arena tour! Advance ticket sales through STPR TICKET and ticket agencies begin!

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000695.000059399.html
- anchor: #n298105
- Companies mentioned: イープラス、チケットぴあ、ローソンチケット

STPR Inc. will hold the arena tour “Strawberry Memory Vol.10th anniversary ~Strawberry Prince ARENA TOUR~” from June 2026, visiting 4 cities across Japan to mark the 10th anniversary of its idol group Strawberry Prince. Advance ticket applications opened on May 3, 2026.

## CUTIE STREET releases a Korean-language version music video for “かわいいだけじゃだめですか？,” a self-homage to its debut music video

- Published: 2026-05-03T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000754.000017258.html
- anchor: #n298104

The 8-member idol group CUTIE STREET has released a Korean-language version music video of its debut song “かわいいだけじゃだめですか？” Its popularity in South Korea is surging, with the group appearing on M COUNTDOWN in March and its performance video reaching 11 million views. The group is set to appear at Weverse Con Festival in June and hold its first solo concert in South Korea in July. In Japan, it plans to hold its 2nd anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan in August.