# AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-04 06:00–09:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 13 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 9 items from 2 sources.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## From the latter half of Golden Week through early-summer drives, make time in the car more comfortable. Ottocast is holding a May-only sale on 2 popular in-car gadgets!

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000073.000102847.html
- anchor: #n299299
- Companies mentioned: Amazon.co.jp

Ottocast will hold an Amazon-exclusive sale starting May 4 on its popular in-car gadgets, the “OttoAibox P3 Pro” and “Ottocast Mini Tube,” for Golden Week and the start of summer. The company is offering an AI Box equipped with Android 13 and a wireless adapter at special prices, bringing a more comfortable in-car experience.

## [公益社団法人日本青年会議所 近畿地区 京都ブロック協議会] 54th Kyoto Block Convention, Ayabe Convention, to be held

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000107.000160385.html
- anchor: #n299298
- Companies mentioned: 公益社団法人日本青年会議所 近畿地区 京都ブロック協議会、日東精工

公益社団法人日本青年会議所 近畿地区 京都ブロック協議会 will hold the “54th Kyoto Block Convention, Ayabe Convention” in Ayabe on May 24, 2026. Under the slogan “KYOTO×Remix,” the event will bring together food, local specialties and diverse people from across Kyoto Prefecture to rediscover the region’s appeal and promote the sustainable development of local communities.

## [Shanghai, China] First Chinese Wagyu steakhouse in Shanghai to grand-open on April 26, 2026!

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000193.000103761.html
- anchor: #n299297
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社総合近江牛商社、Omigyu Trading Company Pte. Ltd.、上海昱深投资有限公司、上海喜达聚餐饮管理有限公司

A subsidiary of 株式会社総合近江牛商社 will open a Chinese Wagyu steakhouse in Shanghai, China, on April 26, 2026, through a joint venture with a Chinese company. In a Chinese market where Japanese Wagyu cannot be imported, the venture will introduce Japanese-style quality control and brand principles, developing a new business model. The company plans to use this as a springboard to accelerate expansion to multiple locations in China and global markets.

## Just before Mother’s Day, there’s still time to order online: “2026 Mother’s Day Gift Ranking TOP 15.” Send your beloved mother a gift along with your heartfelt gratitude.

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000276.000098805.html
- anchor: #n299296
- Companies mentioned: 母の日.me、おいもや、BunBun!Bee、Yunth、王様の足枕、野菜をMOTTO、本格冷凍麺工房 武蔵野

“母の日.me” has announced its “2026 Mother’s Day Gift Ranking TOP 15.” This year’s trends include a sharp rise in the popularity of hydrangeas, gifts for beauty and health that offer “physical recovery,” “time recovery” gifts that reduce housework, and a shift toward “consumable” yet “high-quality” gifts that are unlikely to disappoint.

## Enjoy a Golden Week full of period dramas on ABEMA! All episodes of 30 Korean period dramas will stream free in one go, including classics and hits such as “Dae Jang Geum,” “100 Days My Prince” and “Hwarang.”

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003190.000064643.html
- anchor: #n299295
- Companies mentioned: ABEMA、MBC&iMBC、STUDIO DRAGON CORPORATION、KBS Media Ltd.、HWARANG SPC

ABEMA will stream all episodes of 30 Korean period dramas free in one go during Golden Week. The lineup includes classics such as “Dae Jang Geum” and popular titles including “100 Days My Prince” and “Hwarang,” offering a chance to enjoy epic historical dramas over the holiday.

## [速報] CLUB REBAES scores a decisive win in the second round of the Tokyo preliminary round of the 97th Intercity Baseball Tournament and the 19th JABA Kanto Club Championship

- Published: 2026-05-04T07:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000046.000143050.html
- anchor: #n298157
- Companies mentioned: エスプライド、TOKYO METS、全府中野球倶楽部

CLUB REBASE defeated エスプライド 8-0 in 7 innings in the second round of the Tokyo preliminary round of the 97th Intercity Baseball Tournament and the 19th JABA Kanto Club Championship. The lineup connected from the first inning, while the pitching staff combined for a shutout, building momentum for the next game.

## 4 years after its civil rehabilitation proceedings, サン宝石 is moving from mail-order company to “an IP brand grown with fans”! Its popular character “Hoppé-chan” marks its 16th anniversary on May 5.

- Published: 2026-05-04T07:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000075.000148433.html
- anchor: #n298156
- Companies mentioned: メモリーテックつくば株式会社、サン宝石

4 years after its civil rehabilitation proceedings, サン宝石 has announced a shift from a mail-order company to “an IP brand grown with fans.” Its popular character “Hoppé-chan” marks its 16th anniversary on May 5. Against the backdrop of the Heisei retro boom, the company is attracting new fans and expanding its IP business.

## [速報！Mother’s Day best-seller rankings] Top 20 Mother’s Day gift best-sellers for April 2026 announced! Consumables, food and sweets dominate. Who won the early-bird discount sales race? [Preliminary tally: April 1–30, 2026]

- Published: 2026-05-04T07:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000280.000098805.html
- anchor: #n298155
- Companies mentioned: おいもや、ＢｕｎＢｕｎ！Ｂｅｅ、Fleur Town 吉本花城園、母の日.me

Mother’s Day information media outlet “母の日.me” has announced its Top 20 best-selling Mother’s Day gifts for April 2026. Based on a consumer survey, the rankings show that “consumable” gifts, food and sweets are dominating, revealing a shift toward gift choices that prioritize practicality and peace of mind.

## FOSSIL to unveil limited-edition “The Mandalorian” collection on May 4, “Star Wars Day”

- Published: 2026-05-04T07:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000310.000008529.html
- anchor: #n298154
- Companies mentioned: FOSSIL、Star Wars™、Disney+、オンタイム・ムーヴ、TiCTAC

On May 4, 2026, FOSSIL unveiled a limited-edition watch collection inspired by the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” to mark “Star Wars Day.” Designed for devoted fans to coincide with the theatrical release of “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the collection is a collector’s item.

## Fencing: Japan’s women’s foil team wins bronze at World Cup team event!

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:30:44+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000269.000039246.html
- anchor: #n298152
- Companies mentioned: 共同カイテック株式会社、エア・ウォーター株式会社、株式会社大垣共立銀行、公益社団法人 日本フェンシング協会

2026年5月3日、トルコ・イスタンブールで開催された女子フルーレ・ワールドカップ団体戦で、日本代表チームが銅メダルを獲得しました。準決勝でイタリアに敗れたものの、3位決定戦で韓国に勝利し、今シーズン初のメダルとなりました。

## [¥1 million raised!] The challenge of a Hokkaido farm with a 115-year history in Hokuto gains momentum! Next goal: ¥1.5 million. Long-awaited soy milk soft-serve food truck also launches

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000180559.html
- anchor: #n298150

Shiraishi Farm, which has operated for 115 years in Hokuto, Hokkaido, has reached its initial crowdfunding target of ¥1 million and announced a next goal of ¥1.5 million. Ahead of its store opening in September, it has also begun full-scale operation of a soy milk soft-serve food truck, accelerating the 6th-sector development of agriculture.

## Official online store opens for lifestyle and apparel brand “SOLUNA by h,” directed by former AKB48 member Hirata Rina

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000008.000167451.html
- anchor: #n298149
- Companies mentioned: DKTK株式会社

“SOLUNA by h,” a lifestyle and apparel brand directed by former AKB48 member Hirata Rina, has opened its official online store. The store supports multiple languages and currencies and features the SS2026 collection, bringing the brand’s vision to customers in Japan and abroad.

## Special smartphone sticker giveaway campaign to celebrate “Champion Cross” and “Yanchan Web” surpassing 2 million members combined!

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000848.000040601.html
- anchor: #n298148
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社秋田書店

The combined membership of “Champion Cross” and “Yanchan Web,” web manga sites operated by Akita Shoten, has surpassed 2 million. To mark the milestone, the company will run peel-off poster ads at Shinjuku and Namba stations and a sticker giveaway campaign at bookstores nationwide starting May 4, 2026.

## Taiwan again fields the largest delegation at the U.S. Investment Summit; deputy secretary praises its execution in building factories

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:18:11+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202605040010.aspx
- anchor: #n299300
- Companies mentioned: 米国商務部、米国在台協会 (AIT)、台積電 (TSMC)、台湾電機電子工業同業公会、国発基金

台湾は「選択アメリカ投資サミット」で再び最大規模の代表団を派遣し、経済部長の龔明鑫は113社207人参加の新記録を報告。米国商務部次長は、台湾のサプライチェーン構築と実行力を高く評価し、台湾企業による米国への巨額投資計画が発表された。

## Venice Biennale to open; Italian media: Russian pavilion remains closed under sanctions

- Published: 2026-05-04T08:05:09+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202605040009.aspx
- anchor: #n299301
- Companies mentioned: ヴェネツィア・ビエンナーレ大会、イタリア文化省、義大利晚郵報 (Corriere della Sera)

Ahead of the opening of the 61st Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition, the jury resigned in protest over plans to reopen the Russian Pavilion. Reports said the Russian Pavilion would not be open to the public in accordance with sanctions, based on an investigation report by イタリア文化省.

## Merz downplays dispute with Trump, stresses U.S. troop cuts are unrelated to differences between the two

- Published: 2026-05-04T07:37:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605040008.aspx
- anchor: #n299294
- Companies mentioned: 北大西洋公約組織 (NATO)、ロイター通信、ドイツ第一テレビ (ARD)、中央社

German Chancellor Merz stressed that his differences with former U.S. President Trump were unrelated to the plan to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany. He rejected claims that the cuts were prompted by his criticism of Merz’s Iran policy. The cuts have derailed plans to deploy a Tomahawk missile unit in Germany.

## Trump: “Freedom Project” to launch 5/4 to escort ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to safety

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:51:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605040007.aspx
- anchor: #n298153

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the “Freedom Project” will launch on May 4 to escort ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to safety, calling it a humanitarian mission aimed at assisting neutral countries. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are holding “very positive discussions” with Iran to end the war in the Middle East.

## WHO confirms 3 deaths aboard Atlantic cruise ship; hantavirus infection suspected

- Published: 2026-05-04T06:01:58+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605040006.aspx
- anchor: #n298151
- Companies mentioned: 世界衛生組織 (WHO)、荷蘭泛海探險公司 (Oceanwide Expeditions)

The World Health Organization (WHO) said a suspected hantavirus outbreak occurred aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius while it was sailing in the Atlantic. Of the 6 people affected, 3 have died and 1 is critically ill. The virus is believed to have spread from rodents, raising public health concerns.

## 【凌巨】Announcement: Board meeting to review the company’s consolidated financial report for the first quarter of ROC year 115 is expected to be held on 115年05月11日

- Published: 2026-05-03T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
- Official text: https://mopsov.twse.com.tw/mops/web/ajax_t05st01?encodeURIComponent=1&step=2&firstin=1&off=1&queryName=co_id&inpuType=co_id&TYPEK=sii&co_id=8105&year=115&month=5&b_date=1&e_date=31&seq_no=2&spoke_time=181219&spoke_date=20260503
- anchor: #n298161
- Companies mentioned: 凌巨

凌巨 announced that it will hold a board meeting on May 11, 2026, to review its consolidated financial report for the first quarter of 2026.

## 【鴻華先進-創】Announcement: The board meeting to review the company’s consolidated financial report for the first quarter of ROC year 115 is expected to be held on 115年05月11日

- Published: 2026-05-03T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
- Official text: https://mopsov.twse.com.tw/mops/web/ajax_t05st01?encodeURIComponent=1&step=2&firstin=1&off=1&queryName=co_id&inpuType=co_id&TYPEK=sii&co_id=2258&year=115&month=5&b_date=1&e_date=31&seq_no=1&spoke_time=180452&spoke_date=20260503
- anchor: #n298160
- Companies mentioned: 鴻華先進

鴻華先進 (Hon Hai Advanced) announced that it will hold a board meeting on May 11, 2026, to review its consolidated financial report for the first quarter of 2026.

## 【三商家購】Announcement: The board meeting to review the company’s consolidated financial report for the first quarter of ROC year 115 is expected to be held on 115年05月08日

- Published: 2026-04-30T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
- Official text: https://mopsov.twse.com.tw/mops/web/ajax_t05st01?encodeURIComponent=1&step=2&firstin=1&off=1&queryName=co_id&inpuType=co_id&TYPEK=sii&co_id=2945&year=115&month=5&b_date=1&e_date=31&seq_no=2&spoke_time=233735&spoke_date=20260503
- anchor: #n298162
- Companies mentioned: 三商家購

三商家購 announced that it will hold a board meeting on May 8, 2026, to review its consolidated financial report for the first quarter of 2026.

## PharmaEssentia files an appeal with Germany’s Federal Court of Justice in the arbitration revocation case

- Published: 2026-04-30T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
- Official text: https://mopsov.twse.com.tw/mops/web/ajax_t05st01?encodeURIComponent=1&step=2&firstin=1&off=1&queryName=co_id&inpuType=co_id&TYPEK=sii&co_id=6446&year=115&month=5&b_date=1&e_date=31&seq_no=1&spoke_time=111531&spoke_date=20260503
- anchor: #n298159
- Companies mentioned: 藥華醫藥股份有限公司、AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH

藥華藥 announced that it has appealed to the Federal Court of Justice of Germany regarding the arbitration proposal with AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH.