123 received, 123 listed, 2 sources ・ Page 1 of 2
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 88 items from 1 source; Japan, 35 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Luo Yi-jun, director-general of Taiwan's 衛生福利部疾病管制署, said the domestic hantavirus situation was no worse than at the same time in previous years and that there was no need for excessive panic. He said vigilance was needed in spring and autumn, but cooperation between central and local authorities meant there was no cause for concern.
Companies mentioned：衛生福利部疾病管制署、台大醫院、環境部
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Liuyang, Changsha, Hunan province, China, killed 21 people and injured 61. The site was reduced to ruins, and Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered search and rescue operations and an investigation into the cause.
Companies mentioned：華盛煙花製造燃放有限公司
A woman in her 50s caused an incident at Taipei Metro's Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station after staying in the women's restroom for a long time and banging on the door, then verbally abusing the stationmaster who admonished her. The stationmaster filed a defamation lawsuit.
Yang Chang-jung, a researcher at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, warned that traffic data collected by China's Amap app poses a national security risk and is not merely a personal information issue. She said Chinese law could make the data a strategic asset.
Companies mentioned：高徳地圖
State-owned forestland that had been illegally occupied in Nanhua District, Tainan, Taiwan, was reclaimed, and the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and Chunghwa Post joined forces to launch a nectar-source forest restoration project. They planted 1600 saplings and will conduct scientific monitoring and ecological education for 6 years.
Companies mentioned：中華郵政公司
衛武營國家藝術文化中心 announced its program for the second half of 2026, featuring about 50 music, dance and theater productions. The lineup includes a range of performances, such as opera, music festivals and international co-productions, and will bring together artists from Taiwan and abroad to promote cultural exchange.
Companies mentioned：衛武營國家藝術文化中心、安娜琪舞蹈劇場、春美歌劇團、唱歌集音樂劇場、當代傳奇劇場、明華園戲劇總團、澳洲派奇劇團、同黨劇團、柏林雷寧廣場劇院
A new study has found that airborne microplastics contribute to global warming. Experts in Taiwan are calling for microplastic measures to shift from waste management to climate and air pollution control, and are advocating cuts in single-use plastics.
Former Taiwanese women's tennis player Chan Yung-jan (詹詠然) announced that she would resign as coach of the Billie Jean King Cup team. The tennis association is trying to persuade her to stay and plans to continue discussions.
Companies mentioned：中華民國網球協會
BNP Paribas Wealth Management said on the 5th that it was maintaining a neutral allocation to global equities amid geopolitical risks and taking a cautious view of U.S. stocks. It described AI as a long-term growth theme, with major technology companies investing about $650 billion in infrastructure, and recommended a diversified strategy.
Companies mentioned：フランスパリ銀行財富管理
To coincide with the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA), Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Cooperation and Development Fund held events in Geneva, Switzerland. The ministry hosted the first WHA Taiwan Smart Healthcare and Health Industry Exhibition, while the fund will hold an off-site forum focused on digital health transformation on the 19th, marking its 9th consecutive year.
Bloomberg reported that Apple has held preliminary discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics about manufacturing key processors for its devices. The move is an effort to explore alternatives to TSMC, though concerns remain about reliability and production scale.
Companies mentioned：Apple、Intel、Samsung Electronics、TSMC
Traffic restrictions will be imposed on Shifu Road, Road No. 1, Ren'ai Road and other streets in Taipei on May 10 for the 23rd Shupao Cup road race. As a result, 79 bus routes will be diverted and 111 bus stops suspended.
Companies mentioned：台北市公共運輸處、台北市政府體育局
Democratic Progressive Party legislator Lai Jui-lung said that, if elected mayor of Kaohsiung, he would continue establishing the National Key Fields Intercollegiate Research and Teaching Park promoted by the current mayor. The goal is to accelerate Kaohsiung's industrial transformation and build an advantage in training high-tech talent.
Companies mentioned：清華大学、陽明交通大学
After prosecutor-general nominee Hsu Hsi-hsiang failed to win approval from the Legislative Yuan, the Ministry of Justice said it would ask the president, through the Executive Yuan, to appoint an acting prosecutor-general. The move is intended to ensure the Supreme Prosecutors Office continues operating when the incumbent's term ends.
The latest asset disclosures by the Control Yuan showed that Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng has assets exceeding NT$100 million and that New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih's deposits had increased by NT$5 million. Neither has any debt. Chang reduced his gold holdings but increased his stocks and bonds.
The National Teachers' Union urged the Legislative Yuan to repeal or send back the "bad law" as the deadline approaches for reviewing amendments concerning school affairs meetings. It expressed concern that the current bill would hinder teachers' professional development and lead to defensive teaching.
Taiwan recorded 50 fatal major occupational accidents in the first quarter of 2026, down 15% from the same period a year earlier, the Ministry of Labor announced. The construction industry accounted for 54% of the total, with falls especially serious; New Taipei and Taoyuan recorded the highest toll, at 7 deaths each.
台北市動物保護処 offers "Happy Dog and Cat Adoption Benefits" to people adopting dogs and cats from its animal shelters, with a one-eyed cat named Dajun drawing particular attention. The shelters are caring for 309 cats, and a new facility is scheduled for completion in year 116.
Companies mentioned：台北市動物保護処
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang said China should not have NVIDIA's most advanced chips and argued that the United States should maintain its lead in AI. At the same time, he urged Washington to let U.S. companies continue competing in global markets, including China.
Companies mentioned：NVIDIA、日経アジア、中央社
Taiwan CDC Director-General Luo Yi-jun noted that 2 severe cases of enterovirus D68 have been reported this year, as part of World Hand Hygiene Day, and urged people—especially children—to wash their hands thoroughly to prevent infection.
Companies mentioned：衛生福利部疾病管制署、國立台灣大學醫學院附設醫院、國泰綜合醫院、世界衛生組織（WHO）
Taiwan Lottery launched 2 new scratch-off games, Mahjong Big Bingo and Golden Diamond 999. They offer more than 3.67 million prizes, with total prize money exceeding NT$1.94 billion.
Companies mentioned：台灣彩券公司
The National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is holding a series of events titled "City Walks: Multicultural Architecture and Sun Yat-sen's Journeys." Architectural historians and local historians will guide participants through Taipei, Taoyuan, Changhua, Lukang, Matsu and Pingtung to explore the architecture and culture of different eras.
Companies mentioned：國父紀念館、中央研究院
As the Legislative Yuan considers voting rights for 18-year-olds, public law scholars and youth groups called for amendments to the election and recall law through "direct legislative amendment." The approach aims to bypass the high threshold for constitutional amendments and secure the rights more quickly.
Companies mentioned：青年思潮、一滴優、世代共好、台少盟、青民協、台學聯
Originalパラグアイのペーニャ大統領が台湾を国賓訪問し、閣僚が率いる39人の主要産業交流団も同行します。これは台湾とパラグアイの産業連携を強化し、両国の緊密な関係を示すものです。
Nurses dissatisfied with delays in enacting a nurse-to-patient ratio law surrounded Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare in protest. They called for the law to be enacted promptly and penalties to be introduced. The ministry said substantive discussions would take place on May 8.
穎崴科技 is showcasing comprehensive solutions for AI semiconductor test interfaces at SEMICON SEA 2026 in Southeast Asia. To support growth in the Southeast Asian market and advances in AI technology, the company has established a subsidiary in Penang and is expanding its technical services.
Companies mentioned：穎崴科技
As the war in the Middle East continues, a strong El Niño is forecast to hit Asia around midyear, raising concerns about increased energy demand, reduced hydropower generation and lower crop yields. It could be comparable to the "super El Niño" of 1997-1998, experts have warned.
Companies mentioned：世界気象機関（WMO）、オーストラリアモナシュ大学、エネルギー経済金融分析研究所（IEEFA）、Ember、フィッチソリューションズ（Fitch Solutions）、BMI
A man wanted for negligent injury was arrested in Taipei after police found drug-related equipment on him during a stop. He admitted using drugs but denied intending to sell them, and police are investigating where the drugs came from.
Companies mentioned：台北市警察局中正第二分局
The Egyptian government announced tougher penalties for people who assist undocumented migrants. Experts fear this could criminalize humanitarian aid, while government supporters argue that national security is important.
A suspected hantavirus infection aboard the cruise ship Hondius has left 3 people dead and drawn international attention. The article provides answers to 5 key questions about hantavirus transmission, person-to-person spread, treatment and prevention.
Companies mentioned：荷蘭泛海探險公司 (Oceanwide Expeditions)
Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TaiSugar) announced on May 5, 2026, that it had signed a cooperation memorandum with the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council (USGBC) to jointly promote technical exchanges on bioethanol production and its use in transportation fuels. TaiSugar plans to complete an inventory of its initial feedstock sources by the second quarter of next year.
Companies mentioned：台糖公司、美國穀物暨生質產品協會 (USGBC)、交通部民航局、台灣中油公司
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi returned home after completing visits to Vietnam and Australia. She gave Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese music-related items and melons from Shizuoka Prefecture, and presented dignitaries in Vietnam with Wajima lacquerware fans and other lacquerware.
Companies mentioned：BABYMETAL、MAN WITH A MISSION
Original頼清徳総統がエスワティニを訪問後、台湾への帰路で航路妨害を受け、約1万3000キロの「南線突囲」航路で帰国しました。国防院と国策院の学者は、この困難な外交的突破が台湾の戦略的強靭性と後方支援能力を示したと分析しています。
Student groups at National Central University protested the university's plan to make volunteering at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games a graduation requirement under its "service learning" program. The university said participation was not compulsory and alternatives were available, but students objected and also raised concerns about personal information leaks.
Companies mentioned：中央大學、台灣學生聯合會
Ukraine's military announced that it had removed some commanders of front-line units and introduced a mandatory rotation system every 2 months, following the widespread circulation of photos showing the harsh conditions faced by soldiers. However, doubts remain about whether the order can be carried out amid a personnel shortage.
Companies mentioned：半島電視台 (Al Jazeera)、基輔獨立報 (The Kyiv Independent)、政治新聞網POLITICO、路透社
The Trump-Xi summit is expected to be held in mid-month, and a Hong Kong newspaper has analyzed Taiwan, economic and trade issues, and Iran as the three main agenda items. The Taiwan issue is considered China's “immovable bottom line”; US sanctions on China are a focus of economic and trade discussions, while the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is a focus of discussions on Iran.
Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling of the Kuomintang lost her appeal in a defamation lawsuit brought by former UMC chairman Robert Tsao, after she accused him of failing to fulfill a pledge to donate NT$15 million to Tsing Hua University.
Companies mentioned：聯電公司
Premier Cho Jung-tai visited athletes competing in the international skills competition in Taichung, expressing hope for their success at the event to be held in Shanghai in September and encouraging them to help Taiwan earn recognition around the world. The government plans to strengthen support for athletes and promote industry-academia collaboration.
In the 台北外匯市場, the New Taiwan dollar rose 4.4 fen against the US dollar, briefly trading at 31.566 yuan before closing. Trading volume reached US$803 million.
Companies mentioned：台北外匯市場
On May 5, 2026, childcare groups, scholars and legislators held a news conference in Taipei over rodent control and the use of rodenticides, calling for a comprehensive source-control strategy that balances ecosystems and public health.
Companies mentioned：為野生動物而走行動聯盟、台灣爬行類動物保育協會、台灣猛禽研究會、民主進步黨、中央研究院國際生物多樣性博士學程
Original台中市烏日区の高鉄陸橋で機車の双方向通行が試行されるが、陸橋の高さに対し護欄が低いことが安全上の懸念を引き起こしている。市議会議員が増高を提案し、建設局は常態化した場合に検討する方針を示した。
Companies mentioned：台中市交通局、台中市議会、建設局
A Hong Kong company will establish a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Dongguan, mainland China. The pilot project aims to advance the development of an SAF industry chain in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contribute to the aviation industry's green transition.
Companies mentioned：香港怡斯萊公司
Military clashes between the United States and Iran have intensified in the Middle East. The US military said it had sunk 6 Iranian vessels and intercepted missiles. Iran denied this and fired cruise missiles in a show of force. The escalating tensions have sent international stock markets plunging and crude oil prices soaring.
The Donghae Coast Guard Station in South Korea's Gangwon Province confirmed that about 100 Chinese fishing boats had gathered near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) off the country's eastern coast, and has sent large vessels to step up monitoring and enforcement. More than 400 boats were confirmed there last year, and the South Korean government has sharply increased fines for illegal fishing.
Companies mentioned：韓国江原道東海海洋警察署、韓聯社、法新社、紐約時報、共同社
To mark its 60th anniversary, 佛光山 held an alms-begging pilgrimage in Taipei's Ximending district on May 5, 2026. More than 100 newly ordained members took part, spreading Humanistic Buddhism and praying for people's peace, social harmony and world peace.
Companies mentioned：佛光山、艋舺龍山寺、艋舺青山宮、台灣省城隍廟、清水巖祖師廟、台北天后宮
A “Good People, Good Deeds” awards ceremony was held in Taichung, honoring 14 people from fields including firefighting, education, charity and other walks of life. The organizers hope these honorees, whose stories have moved people, will bring positive change and inspire a cycle of kindness in society.
Companies mentioned：台中市政府社会局、台中市表揚好人好事運動協會、僑光科技大學、中華民國運彩公會
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan rejected the nomination of Hsu Hsi-hsiang for prosecutor-general, with the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party voting against it. A new nominee for the next prosecutor-general will now have to be named.
On May 4, 2026, the New York Knicks routed the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, taking a 1-0 series lead. Jalen Brunson scored 35 points to lead his team to victory.
Foreign Affairs magazine says President Xi Jinping's “permanent purges” of Chinese Communist Party officials are not simply about eliminating political rivals, but are part of a sweeping project to remake the party itself. The party is seeking to become a more efficient and enduring governing apparatus.
Companies mentioned：外交事務（Foreign Affairs）、アジア協会政策研究所（Asia Society Policy Institute）
Four men surnamed Tsao and others from Pingtung County poached sika deer in Kenting National Park and claimed it was part of traditional culture. The Pingtung District Prosecutors Office indicted them for violating the National Park Act, citing the fact that the offense occurred outside an Indigenous area and that the deer died. The case came to light during a police patrol.
Companies mentioned：屏東地検（屏東地方検察署）
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te returned home on May 5, 2026, after visiting ally Eswatini, accompanied by Eswatini's deputy prime minister. In a statement, the president stressed that Taiwan has the right to go anywhere in the world and will not yield to pressure.
Taiwan's CYBERSEC 2026 conference opened, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Ho Chih-wei said Taiwan aims to build a NT$100 billion cybersecurity industry. Amid rising threats from generative AI, Taiwan intends to leverage its semiconductor advantage to become a maker of international cybersecurity standards, shifting from a technology provider to a standards setter.
Companies mentioned：SEMI國際半導體產業協會、台積電、美國在台協會
Original新北市交通局は淡江大橋開通に伴い、4路線の新規バス（988板橋快線、989・990機場快線、115淡水八里観光公車）を5月13日から試験運行し、本日よりオンライン予約を開始。試験運行期間中は1回5台湾ドルで体験できる。
Companies mentioned：新北市政府交通局
The Kuomintang caucus in Taiwan's legislature is continuing discussions on a special budget for arms purchases from the United States. Legislator Lai Shih-pao proposed a compromise under which the initial budget of NT$380 billion could be increased to as much as NT$800 billion after additional US sales notifications. Caucus whip Fu Kun-chi stressed that the consensus is that US purchase orders are essential.
The Kaohsiung City Government's Water Resources Bureau has begun work on the “Nanzih Reclaimed Water Plant Water Transmission Pipeline Project” on Yiqun Road in Nanzih District, aiming for completion in mid-November. The project uses underground pipe-jacking construction to minimize traffic and noise impacts while supporting the sustainable development of Kaohsiung's water resources.
Apple released the iOS 26.5 RC, adding 3 new features: end-to-end encrypted RCS, a wallpaper celebrating Pride Month, and the “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. The official version is expected next week, with enhanced privacy and personalization.
Companies mentioned：Apple、9to5Mac
國泰世華銀行 partnered with the PX Mart Group and 全家便利商店 to integrate its credit card reward points, “小樹點,” into various payment apps in real time, creating a cross-platform points ecosystem. The initiative aims to boost points redemption and activity among mobile payment users.
Companies mentioned：國泰世華銀行、全聯集團、全家便利商店、金管會、全支付
President Lai Ching-te returned home after visiting ally Eswatini. Premier Cho Jung-tai said the president's visit had brought the people many surprises, and that his safe return would further boost morale.
Original台塑化は、超大型原油タンカー「君善輪」が200万バレルの原油を積載し、5月6日に麦寮港に到着すると発表しました。これにより、同社の煉油所の稼働率が4月の43%から5月には60%以上、6月には80%へと段階的に回復する見込みです。これは、美伊戦争による原油供給逼迫への多角的な調達戦略の成果です。
Companies mentioned：台塑海運、台塑化
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan rejected the consent bill for prosecutor-general nominee Hsu Hsi-hsiang, with a majority of Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party members voting against it. Hsu will therefore not be able to take office as prosecutor-general.
農業部林業試驗所 has found that the leaf sheaths of shell ginger, which grows widely in Taiwan, could be used to make high-value handmade paper. Previously considered agricultural waste after essential oil extraction, the plant is attracting attention as a sustainable non-wood fiber alternative to timber because of its fine fibers.
Companies mentioned：農業部林業試驗所、農業部
The Kaohsiung City Public Works Bureau has opened applications through July 15 for its “Solar-Powered Smart Building Certification,” which combines solar power systems with smart building design. A total of NT$400,000 in incentives is available, with awards in 3 tiers—gold, silver and bronze. Winners will receive NT$30,000, NT$20,000 and NT$10,000, respectively.
Emirates, which temporarily cut flights and suspended service because of the situation in the Middle East, announced that it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating more than 1,300 flights a week. It continues to operate 1 flight a day on its Taiwan route.
Companies mentioned：阿聯酋航空 (エミレーツ航空)
Ahead of the US-Japan summit, former Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, a senior Liberal Democratic Party official, voiced concern that the US position on Taiwan could waver. His remarks reflect Japan's concern about how developments in US-China relations could affect East Asian security.
A former Taipei police officer surnamed Huang was convicted of secretly filming in a police station restroom and purchasing child sexual abuse images. He was sentenced to 2 years and 10 months in prison, of which 1 year and 8 months may be commuted to a fine, and given 5 years' probation. He was also ordered to pay NT$200,000 to the public treasury and perform 120 hours of community service.
Companies mentioned：台北地方法院、台北市警察局信義分局、台北地檢署
Originalヒューストン・アストロズの鄧愷威投手がロサンゼルス・ドジャース戦で2イニングを無失点に抑え、大谷翔平選手をフライアウトに打ち取りました。最速155キロの速球を披露し、今季防御率2.35と好調を維持しています。
Companies mentioned：ヒューストン・アストロズ、ロサンゼルス・ドジャース
Originalニューヨークで開催されたMet Galaには、BLACKPINKの全メンバーを含む多くのセレブリティが出席し、華やかなファッションを披露しました。しかし、会場外ではアマゾン創設者ジェフ・ベゾスのイベント後援に対する抗議活動が行われ、富の不均衡と労働者の権利問題が提起されました。
Companies mentioned：アマゾン
Taiwan's stock market briefly hit a record high of 40885.05 points, but turned lower as electronics stocks fell, eventually dropping to 40522.78 points. Major electronics stocks diverged, with MediaTek hitting the limit-up price while TSMC fell.
Companies mentioned：台積電 (TSMC)、聯発科 (MediaTek)、鴻海 (Foxconn)、日月光投控 (ASE Technology Holding)、台達電 (Delta Electronics)
During the Mother's Day holiday weekend, traffic on Taiwan's highways is forecast to rise by more than 5% above normal. In particular, high-occupancy vehicle restrictions will be enforced at northbound entrances to National Freeway 5 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 10.
President Lai concluded his visit to Taiwan's ally Eswatini and delivered remarks after returning to Taiwan, emphasizing the Taiwanese people's firm resolve to engage with the world. Although the trip was temporarily obstructed, it instead showed the world Taiwan's determination. The president said Taiwanese have the right to engage with the world and will participate in international affairs in a steady and responsible manner.
An oath-taking ceremony for 5 newly appointed senior officials was held at the Keelung City Government. Fang Ding-an was promoted from secretary-general to deputy mayor. Hsieh Hsiao-kun was appointed director of the Urban Development Department, Chen Yao-chuan became deputy secretary-general, Chang Shu-wei was named acting director of the Urban Development Department, and Liu Pang-hsiu was appointed director of the newly established Department of Legal Affairs and Labor.
高雄市農業局 will offer an early-bird discount from May 5 to May 11 on its Mother's Day-only “Kaohsiung Select” gift boxes of whole Yuhébao lychees. A box of 3 tai jin of premium fruit costs NT$588, and purchases of NT$520 or more on e-commerce platforms qualify for a prize drawing.
Companies mentioned：高雄市農業局
Automation systems makers Mirle and Kenmec are supplying automation equipment to Vanguard International Semiconductor's 12-inch fab in Singapore, expressing optimism about strong growth in the semiconductor market.
Companies mentioned：盟立 (LITE-ON Technology)、廣運 (Kuang-Yuan)、世界先進 (Vanguard International Semiconductor)、應用材料 (Applied Materials)、科磊 (KLA Corporation)、艾司摩爾 (ASML)、銳澤 (Rayzer)、聚賢研發 (Juxian R&D)、漢唐集成 (United Integrated Services)
A man surnamed Lin in Taichung sought to protect his sister from an investment scam. Police and a post office worked together to block a transfer of NT$500,000, safeguarding the siblings' NT$1 million in savings.
The United States and Iran clashed in the Persian Gulf, with reports saying the U.S. military sank Iranian small boats. According to the Financial Times, the UAE intercepted Iranian missiles, but facilities in the UAE were hit in a drone attack, putting the ceasefire at risk. President Trump has signaled that he wants to avoid escalation in the Middle East while seeking a negotiated solution to Iran's nuclear issue.
Companies mentioned：英国金融時報、華爾街日報、約翰霍普金斯大學
Original台北市立動物園的19歲石虎「小母」於5月1日離世，園方在臉書發文悼念。牠曾是石虎保育大使，因年邁脊椎退化、關節炎等問題，近期食慾和活動力下降。許多石虎迷在社群媒體上留言表達不捨與感謝。
Companies mentioned：台北市立動物園、農業部林保署
中央氣象署 issued localized heavy rain alerts for mountainous areas from Hsinchu to Nantou and in Hualien as a South China rain band moves east. People should watch for sudden downpours, and landslides and rockfalls are also possible in mountainous areas. Rain is expected to continue through tomorrow.
Companies mentioned：中央氣象署
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles expressed serious concern after Taiwan's designation at the World Coffee Championships was changed to “Chinese Taipei.” It criticized the organizers for bringing politics into the competition, saying this harmed not only Taiwan but also U.S. values.
Companies mentioned：米国スペシャルティコーヒー協会 (SCA)
Taiwan's Directorate General of Highways is working with 和潤企業 to expand its motorcycle-riding training subsidy program with NT$2 million in funding. The program will provide more than 1,400 additional training subsidies for members of the public and low-income people, with the aim of improving road safety.
Companies mentioned：和潤企業
Taiwan's Ministry of Education began providing free menstrual products in schools and offering menstrual education in August 2023 to address “period poverty.” More than NT$420 million has been invested to date, benefiting more than 220,000 students. The program aims to deepen understanding of menstruation regardless of gender and reduce stigma through menstrual education.
The Taiwan People's Party caucus supports military procurement under the draft special defense act, but argues that the budget should be drawn up only after the specific amount of defense spending is finalized. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu plans to convene cross-party consultations on the draft.
Companies mentioned：国防部
A delegation of Belgian federal lower house lawmakers visited Taiwan, and Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung said he hoped to further expand cooperation between Taiwan and Belgium in areas including semiconductor supply chains, offshore wind power, and healthcare. The delegation visited Taiwan's legislature, government agencies, think tanks, and other organizations, and exchanged views on security in the Indo-Pacific and renewable energy development.
Admission results were announced for the 2026 academic year's joint recommendation and screening program under the Technology University Star Program. Of 3242 applicants, 1938 were admitted, for an acceptance rate of 59.8%. The program involved 47 universities of science and technology and 2 universities, offering 2414 places. It provides diverse higher education opportunities for vocational school graduates.
Companies mentioned：技專校院招生委員會聯合會
A cross-party delegation from the Israeli Knesset visited Taiwan and met with Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung. The sides expressed hopes of strengthening defense resilience and deepening cooperation in high-tech fields, including AI, as they face common authoritarian challenges.
Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun protested a change to Taiwan's membership designation and called for equal participation at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meeting. She also discussed Taiwan's priorities, including promoting women's participation and digital transformation, and voiced support for ADB reforms.
Companies mentioned：アジア開発銀行 (ADB)
A small plane crashed into a home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, killing 3 people and injuring 2. The aircraft changed course to avoid high-rise buildings before striking the stairwell of a 3-story house. The crash suggests the pilot's final effort may have prevented greater damage.
Companies mentioned：法新社 (AFP)、路透社 (Reuters)、巴西環球電視台 (TV Globo)、G1 (ニュースサイト)
台鐵企業工会 temporarily suspended the secretary duties of Wu Chang-chih, a labor director and secretary, after he was accused of improperly receiving duty allowances and illegally occupying staff housing. The case will be reviewed at a special representatives' meeting on May 12.
Companies mentioned：台湾鉄路公司 (台鐵)、台鐵産業工会、台鐵企業工会
The Trump administration is considering introducing a pre-release review and regulatory mechanism for AI models, in what could mark a shift from its previous deregulatory approach to AI, reports say. The move comes amid growing concern about AI's effects on employment, energy costs, education, and mental health. The White House briefed executives from Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and other companies on the plan.
Companies mentioned：紐約時報 (The New York Times)、Anthropic、谷歌 (Google)、OpenAI
A new, affordable 500ml size of the salon-quality FIRST Original Shampoo is going on sale. The professional-grade product uses heat to repair hair, making it easy to use at home and meeting hair-care needs across a broad range of consumers.
Companies mentioned：株式会社Total Beauty FIRST
株式会社Trustyyle held the online event “A Thorough Guide to the 2026 Report on HR Applications of AI” during Golden Week, with more than 100 participants. The event highlighted strong interest in AI applications in human resources and discussed the importance of reinvesting time saved through AI not only in efficiency gains but also in valuable work.
Caramel specialty shop NUMBER SUGAR will open its first Nagoya location at タカシマヤ ゲートタワーモール for a limited time from May 20 to May 26, 2026. The shop will sell its signature caramels, caramel cream, butterscotch, and more. Customers who spend 3,000 yen or more will also receive an original drawstring pouch.
Companies mentioned：NUMBER SUGAR、タカシマヤ ゲートタワーモール、株式会社シュガー
Sayama City in Saitama Prefecture will hold a free event serving fresh Sayama tea at City Hall on May 7 and 8, 2026. With the cooperation of the city tea industry association, original landscape illustrations of Sayama tea by children's picture artist Shoji Ikehara will also be displayed to promote consumption of the new tea.
Companies mentioned：狭山市茶業協会
Gunma Safari Park will offer its “Full Safari Pack” at a special price of 10,000 yen for a family of 4 from May 7 to July 17, 2026, to support families facing rising prices. Available for a limited time and only through advance web purchases, the package includes a safari experience and admission to the petting zoo.
Korean self-photo brand Life4Cuts has announced a limited-time collaboration photo frame with solo artist Taisei Miyagawa. Fans can enjoy the experience of taking a photo with Miyagawa, and there will also be an SNS campaign and purchase benefits through the online shop.
Companies mentioned：株式会社DONGRAMY PROJECT、Qoo10
Mother's Day information site 母の日.me has announced the TOP10 best-selling gourmet food and drink gifts of the 2026 Mother's Day shopping season. With shoppers seeking to avoid gifts that miss the mark, consumable gifts have become the mainstream choice, and “deliciousness and peace of mind” are this year's trends.
Companies mentioned：母の日.me、うなぎ屋かわすい、巣鴨のお茶屋さん 山年園、本格冷凍麵工房 武蔵野、澤井珈琲 Beans&Leaf、楽天ショップ・オブ・ザ・イヤー
On May 5, 2026, Sammy Networks began distributing an app for Sammy’s new smart-slot machine, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Kaizomon, on 777Real, its free pachinko and pachislot app for smartphones. Based on the theatrical film Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, the machine features bonuses of up to 3,000 medals per 1G and “Backstage Kagekage ST,” with an expected payout of 3,600 medals, and can be enjoyed for free.
Companies mentioned：サミー株式会社、株式会社サミーネットワークス
Electric-assist bicycle brand ADO has launched its once-a-year “ADO Brand Month” campaign, with a special promotion at the official asobuy store on Rakuten Market starting May 6. A ¥10,000 coupon will also be available on the first day only, and buyers can take advantage of extensive post-purchase support.
Companies mentioned：asobuy株式会社
Rironsha released Nanako Matsuda’s latest picture book, Issho ni Ensoku, on April 20, 2026. To mark the release, an exhibition of original artwork will be held at Aoyama Book Center Main Store from April 29, 2026, showcasing the author’s heartwarming story world.
Self-storage facility SperaBox will open a new location, Ageo Koshikiya, in Ageo, Saitama Prefecture, on June 1, 2026. The facility responds to storage needs arising as homes in central Tokyo become more compact, and features contactless, in-person-free contracts, access starting in as little as 1 hour, and a dual-security system.
Companies mentioned：UKCorporation
OriginalPARCELLE JEWELRY熊本店は、5月の新作ジュエリーとイベントを発表。鶴屋カードの無金利フェア、新作コレクション「Mille Gothique」の紹介、トランクショーや特別相談会を含む3つのイベントが開催される。
Companies mentioned：株式会社PARCELLE、鶴屋百貨店