Feeling good in the middle of the day. The best music and the best vibes from back then: “SOUL CAMP,” a soulful zone of freedom. It’s back after 7 years! Second wave of artists announced!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“SOUL CAMP 2026,” the soul and hip-hop festival returning after 7 years, will be held on July 4, 2026, at SGC Hall Ariake in Tokyo. Erykah Badu will headline, with The Pharcyde and Knxwledge joining the lineup.
A “Defeat Greto Rappy” trial is coming to exploration of Alter Realm in “PSO2 New Genesis ver.2”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sega Corporation rolled out a major update for the popular online RPG “PSO2 New Genesis ver.2” on May 6, 2026, featuring a new trial, a limited-time urgent quest, an updated seasonal exchange shop and revival AC Scratch tickets. Players can enjoy new explorations, earn items and revisit past content.
Originalライズホテル大阪北新地の「Cafe & Bar KARIN × un treize」が、初夏限定の『Melon Afternoon Tea』を2026年5月13日から7月31日まで提供します。旬のメロンを贅沢に使用したスイーツとセイボリー、ドリンクが楽しめる1日8セット限定の特別なアフタヌーンティーです。
Companies mentioned:信和グループ、信和ホテルズ株式会社、ライズホテル大阪北新地、Cafe & Bar KARIN × un treize、un treize
Noto recovery laundry café opens, built with the participation of member companies.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Japan Offsite Architecture Association announced that “Kurukuru Café,” a laundry café for Noto’s recovery built with the participation of member companies, has opened in Monzenmachi, Wajima. The facility provides a place for residents affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake to do laundry and connect with one another.
More than 60 kinds of sake with no time limit for 2,480 yen (2,728 yen including tax). Fujiki Shoten Shibuya launches 2nd-anniversary fair to make sake more approachable.
Aston Martin Vantage extends championship lead with fourth podium finish of 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
OriginalアストンマーティンのVantageが2026年のIMSAウェザーテック・スポーツカー選手権のラグナ・セカ戦で4戦連続となる4度目の表彰台を獲得し、GTDクラスで2位に入賞しました。これにより、ドゥドゥ・バリチェロ選手とThe Heart of Racingチームは、それぞれのチャンピオンシップリードを拡大しました。
Companies mentioned:The Heart of Racing (THOR)、Van der Steur Racing (VDSR)、Magnus Racing
Musee Platinum to launch new online service, Musee Online Clinic, on May 10, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Musee Media HD, which operates beauty, health and lifestyle businesses, will launch its online medical consultation service, Musee Online Clinic, on May 10, 2026. The new initiative will make cosmetic medicine more accessible by allowing patients to receive medical examinations, consultations and prescriptions from home.
【JAF Yamanashi】Hoto-making event for JAF members to be held at a specialty hoto restaurant in Lake Kawaguchi
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The JAF Yamanashi branch will hold hoto-making experience events for JAF members at ほうとう研究所 in Lake Kawaguchi on June 6 and 13, 2026. The events aim to let participants enjoy local food culture and deepen connections among members. Advance registration is required.
Interpets Osaka, one of western Japan’s largest pet events, will begin sales of general admission tickets at noon on May 19. This year’s new offerings include Intercats, an area exclusively for cats, and the Wanwan Express plan, which lets visitors ride a chartered Shinkansen with their dogs. The event, featuring pet-related products and services as well as seminars by experts, will be held at INTEX Osaka from June 19 to 21.
【プリンスグランドリゾート軽井沢】Discover the culinary appeal of Echizen-Wakasa, Fukui, in Karuizawa-juku, a former Nakasendo post town. This summer, a “Fukui Fair” will use food to connect ties dating back to the Edo period
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
プリンスグランドリゾート軽井沢 will hold a “Fukui Fair” from June 9 to July 17, 2026, commemorating the 2nd anniversary of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga. Drawing on its historical ties with Fukui Prefecture, the fair will feature dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Fukui, including 越のルビー and Fukui salmon, at 4 restaurants, promoting culinary and cultural exchange between regions.
Laura S. Arseid from the Trails series gets a long-awaited figure, now available for preorder at AmiAmi
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hobby retailer AmiAmi has opened preorders for a 1/8-scale figure of Laura S. Arseid, a character in the popular Trails series. The figure is made by コトブキヤ and is scheduled for release in November 2026.
Nara City releases guide to planning hubs and work styles to help companies introduce hybrid work
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nara City has released a guide to designing the “optimal balance between remote work and office work” to help companies introduce hybrid work. Prepared by the Business Location Concierge, the guide systematically explains 3 key points for redefining the role of the office and designing optimal work styles for companies considering opening new locations or reviewing their work arrangements.
【IMSF】Ichiran, a specialty natural tonkotsu ramen restaurant, joins as sponsor and enters Round 3 of the All-Japan Rally Championship, YUHO Rally Asuka!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
IMSF Co., Ltd. will compete in Round 3 of the All-Japan Rally Championship, YUHO Rally Asuka, with specialty natural tonkotsu ramen restaurant Ichiran joining as a new sponsor. The collaboration between ramen and motorsports aims to create new entertainment.
Public test rides of the new THRUXTON400 / TRACKER400 open at DGR Tokyo Central 2026 on 5/17 (Sunday)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Triumph Motorcycles Japan will hold the first public test rides in Japan of the new THRUXTON400/TRACKER400 at the charity event DGR Tokyo Central 2026, taking place on May 17. The rides will be offered as a “one-coin charity” activity.
ケンエレファント announces 9 new capsule toy products scheduled for release in August 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ケンエレファント has previewed 9 new capsule toy products scheduled for release in August 2026. The varied lineup, which includes the latest works by popular artists and practical merchandise collections, combines artistic appeal with utility and will be available at capsule toy retailers nationwide.
【4-minute walk from Juso Station】Drink, sing and play to your heart’s content! ZINO Juso opens on 5/22 🎉|50 groups invited for 2 hours free, for a limited time!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ZINO Juso, an entertainment bar in Juso, Osaka, where guests can enjoy unlimited karaoke, darts, shisha and board games, as well as all-you-can-drink service, will hold its grand opening on May 22. To celebrate, a campaign is underway offering 50 groups, or 100 people, an invitation for 2 hours free, exclusively for Instagram followers.
【agete】A quiet glow for everyday life. Silver collection launches gradually from May 8 (Friday)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
agete will launch its silver collection from May 8, 2026, built around the theme of a “quiet glow” and featuring translucent quartz, labradorite and silver. Its designs are delicate yet rich in character, changing in appearance with the wearer’s movements and the light.
Forest Publishing will release “Practical Business Knowledge: Economics,” a book designed to help readers understand economic news, on May 9. It uses diagrams to explain the economies of Japan and the world in an accessible way and offers practical knowledge useful for business and investing.
ASRock launches the B860M Challenger WiFi White, a white MicroATX gaming motherboard featuring the Intel B860 chipset
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ASRock will launch the B860M Challenger WiFi White, a MicroATX gaming motherboard featuring the Intel B860 chipset, on May 13, 2026. It combines a design suited to white-themed PC builds with high-performance features including DDR5 XMP and WiFi 7.
Masayoshi Takanaka SUPER TAKANAKA LIVE 2026-2027 Announced!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka has announced a domestic tour, “SUPER TAKANAKA LIVE 2026-2027,” from 2026 to 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of his debut. A total of 19 shows are planned, with advance ticket sales starting May 13.
Online claims of 18 hantavirus cases in Kaohsiung debunked by health department: no cases for 2 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
高雄市衛生局 announced that online claims that 18–20 hantavirus cases had occurred in Kaohsiung, five times the number in Taipei and New Taipei, were false. Kaohsiung has had zero hantavirus cases over the past 2 years, and the department urged residents not to spread misinformation.
Sanae Takaichi kneels to lay flowers in Australia; Chinese state media says she is signaling allegiance to the West
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chinese state-run media criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for laying a wreath in Australia, calling it “a pledge of allegiance to the West.” The gesture has been interpreted as signaling Japan’s resolve to strengthen ties with Western countries and counter China.
After Tseng Tsai-mei-tso was beaten, police take in son of Chao Tian Temple Chairman Cai Yongde and 10 others
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Police detained 10 people, including the son of Chaotian Temple Chairman 蔡咏鍀, in a case in which former legislator and former Chaotian Temple Chairman 曾蔡美佐 was assaulted at her home. 蔡咏鍀 claims his son stepped in to mediate, but 曾蔡美佐’s granddaughter said on social media that her son brought 50 people who assaulted her.
Lin Ziyu gives up 5 runs in 0.1 innings of relief, says something felt off and identifies the problem
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Wei Chuan Dragons pitcher Lin Ziyu struggled in relief on May 6, allowing 5 runs in 0.1 innings. Manager Yeh Chun-chang said Lin had felt something was off with his pitching, but had worked with the coaching staff to identify the problem and find a solution. Before the outing, his ERA was 0.73.
Chinese woman suspected of stealing classified Norwegian satellite information arrested by police
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Norwegian police arrested a Chinese woman suspected of attempting to steal classified satellite information related to Norway’s national security. She is alleged to have conducted intelligence activities under the cover of a company registered in Norway. Police seized a receiver and shut down its operation.
Australian experts urge countries to support Taiwan Coast Guard to prevent normalization of China’s gray-zone tactics
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Australian experts warned that China’s “gray-zone fleet” is undermining Taiwan’s and South China Sea nations’ control of their maritime domains, and called on the international community to support Taiwan’s coast guard to prevent China’s actions from becoming normalized. The strategy is intended to increase pressure on Taiwan while staying below the threshold of armed conflict.
Trump’s global 10% tariffs ruled illegal; Office of Trade Negotiations says ruling applies only to plaintiffs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that the 10% global tariff imposed under Section 122, invoked by former President Donald Trump, was illegal. Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said the ruling applies only to the plaintiffs and that it would continue actively responding to the U.S. Section 301 investigation.
Power line fault between Chaozhou and Nanzhou on Taiwan Railways repaired; train service resumes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Service resumed at 6:15 p.m. after repairs to an overhead power line fault between Chaozhou and Nanzhou on Taiwan Railways. The fault, which occurred at 9:50 a.m., temporarily disrupted the line, with replacement bus services operating between Chaozhou and Fangliao. Repairs were completed ahead of schedule.
Keelung City Government favors Maijin Road option in planning route for phase 2 of Keelung MRT
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Keelung City Government said it plans to recommend the “Maijin Road option” to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications as the preferred route for Phase 2 of the Keelung MRT, from Badu to Keelung. The option was rated highly for transport efficiency, land development potential and long-term benefits to public transit.
Liang Wei plans to increase capital of its Thai subsidiary to 600 million baht
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Connector cable manufacturer 良維科技’s board approved a cash capital increase of 600 million baht for its Thai subsidiary LONGWELL COMPANY (THAILAND) CO., LTD. The investment in the Thai subsidiary is expected to reach a total of 1.89 billion baht.
Companies mentioned:LONGWELL COMPANY (THAILAND) CO., LTD.
9m88 returns to her identity as a singer; filming an MV with children left her feeling as exhausted as a soldier
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Singer 9m88 released her new song “我只想唱歌給你聽.” She said filming the music video was difficult, especially working with cows and children, and described the experience as “like military service.” She said her acting work had helped her rediscover her passion as a singer.
If clinics install surveillance cameras, doctors’ association plans to strengthen informed consent within 1 month
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In response to recent hidden-camera incidents, Taiwan’s federation of physicians’ associations announced that medical institutions installing surveillance cameras would be required to strengthen patients’ informed consent within 1 month. The measure aims to balance patient privacy with medical safety.
Miaoli County government delegation visits Japan’s Nagano Prefecture to deepen international tourism exchanges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Miaoli County Government and County Council will visit Nagano Prefecture in Japan to strengthen international exchanges by deepening tourism marketing, cultural exchange and industrial ties. They invited Nagano Prefecture to participate in the international lantern district at the 2027 Taiwan Lantern Festival.
Foreign Ministry: Taiwan-Philippines technical meeting on fisheries law enforcement cooperation yields fruitful results
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan and the Philippines agreed to deepen the mechanism for reporting maritime fishing disputes at the 8th technical working group meeting under the Agreement on Promoting Law Enforcement Cooperation in Fisheries. They also made progress on a range of cooperation, including fisheries investment and employment for fisheries workers.
Star Wars actor posts AI image of Trump in a grave; 白宮 slams it as “sick”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
“Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill posted an AI-generated image on social media showing Donald Trump in a grave, prompting the White House to condemn him as a “sick individual.”
Taiwan’s exports to the United States and Europe rose by more than 60% year on year in April amid growing AI demand, hitting a record for the same period. Imports from South Korea also surged as the country plays a central role in the AI supply chain.
Canon resolves to invest US$15 million in its Vietnamese subsidiary
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ability Enterprise decided to invest US$15 million in its Vietnamese subsidiary, Ability Electronics Technology (Vietnam) Company Limited., aiming for substantial business growth in 2026. The company posted a sharp increase in profit in the 1st quarter and will step up shipments of sensors for robots and drone-related products.
Companies mentioned:Ability Electronics Technology (Vietnam) Company Limited.
金管會: Build resilience in finance and create a dashboard for real estate credit exposure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (金管會) has completed a real estate credit risk dashboard to strengthen financial institutions’ resilience and risk management. The dashboard is part of the 1st phase of a digital reporting and analysis mechanism, which also includes consumer protection measures and efforts to promote asset management centers.
Lin Yi-wei pitches well and Taiwan Cooperative Bank hits 3 homers to advance; all 4 Spring League semifinalists are social teams
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Cooperative Bank defeated 台灣啤酒 (National Taiwan Sport University) 8-2 in the Spring League to advance to the semifinals. Pitcher Lin Yi-wei excelled, allowing just 1 run over 7 innings, while the team hit 3 home runs to return to the semifinals for the first time in four years. All 4 semifinalists are amateur social teams.
Northeast monsoon brings risk of heavy rain to New Taipei and Yilan through early tomorrow
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Central Weather Administration issued a heavy rain advisory for New Taipei City and Yilan County due to the influence of the northeast monsoon. The heavy rain is expected to continue until early tomorrow morning.
Taoyuan Cup 3-on-3 basketball tournament invites NBA stars to appear and join the fun
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 2026 Taoyuan Cup National 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held in August, with NBA stars expected to be invited to Taiwan to meet fans. The tournament is in its 10th year and encourages participation across a broad range of age groups.
Retired U.S. general warns Beijing is learning from wars in Ukraine and Iran to step up information warfare over Taiwan Strait conflict
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A retired U.S. lieutenant general warned that China is learning information warfare tactics from the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran and strengthening its ability to wage information warfare against the United States in a potential Taiwan Strait conflict. He said this exposes weaknesses in U.S. military preparedness.
Companies mentioned:南華早報 (South China Morning Post)、特別競爭研究計畫 (Special Competitive Studies Project)
光澤診所’s 5 New Taipei branches searched; managers of 2 Banqiao locations taken in
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Five branches of 光澤診所 in Taiwan’s New Taipei City were searched in connection with suspected covert filming, and managers from 2 branches in Banqiao were taken in as witnesses. The action comes amid a growing number of hidden-camera cases at cosmetic clinics, and the city is launching special inspections of cosmetic clinics and sports facilities.
Deadly hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship; WHO says risk to the public is “very low”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the risk to the public from the deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship Hondius was “very low.” It said the virus spreads only through “very close contact.”
Taiwan Stock Exchange: 益航 to change industry category from trade and department stores to shipping, effective June 1
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taiwan Stock Exchange announced that it would change 益航’s industry classification from “Trading and Department Stores” to “Shipping.” The change will take effect on June 1, while the stock code will remain unchanged.
Eswatini deputy prime minister visits Taipei Medical University Hospital, praises medical ties between Taiwan and Eswatini
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The deputy prime minister of Eswatini visited Taipei Medical University Hospital and praised medical cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini. Taipei Medical University Hospital has provided medical assistance in the country for 17 years and is also advancing the introduction of a smart healthcare platform.
任天堂 announced a price increase for the Switch 2 console in response to soaring memory chip prices. It also warned that net profit for the fiscal year ending next March is expected to fall 27%.
廣達’s April revenue of NT$339.9 billion ranks second-highest for a single month; 緯創 sets record for the same period
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
April sales figures for Taiwan’s 4 major EMS companies were released. Benefiting from AI demand, Quanta posted its second-highest sales on record, while 緯創 reported a record high for the same period.
Taiwan tour group involved in Gansu bus crash; 海基會 says all injured people have returned to Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Straits Exchange Foundation announced that all injured members of a Taiwanese tour group had returned to Taiwan after a bus overturned in Gansu Province on April 24. The accident killed one person and injured 12, and the foundation said it had completed assistance with repatriation and administrative procedures in coordination with relevant agencies.
Shipments of information and communications products retreat from peak; April exports of US$67.62 billion still rank second-highest for a single month
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance said exports totaled US$67.62 billion in April, the second-highest level on record. However, exports fell 15.7% month on month as shipments retreated from March’s peak for information and communications products. Demand for AI, high-performance computing and cloud services is driving exports.
Contract awards completed for entire Kaohsiung MRT Siaogang-Linyuan line; service expected to begin in year 123
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Contracts for the entire Kaohsiung MRT Siaogang-Linyuan Line have been awarded, and construction is gearing up, with the line targeted to open in 2034 (ROC year 123). The route will connect major industrial parks in Kaohsiung and improve public transit convenience.
Fubon Guardians’ Tung Yu-cheng moves from development contract to the active roster and first team, starting in right field
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Fubon Guardians player Tung Yu-cheng was promoted from a development player to the active roster and joined the first team. He immediately made his professional first-team debut, starting in right field in the No. 7 spot.
FOCUS 13 complex opens; Chen Chi-mai says it will become a new landmark in the Asia New Bay Area
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The FOCUS 13 Coral Plaza mixed-use mall opened today in Kaohsiung’s Asia New Bay Area, with Mayor Chen Chi-mai calling it a “new landmark for the Asia New Bay Area.” The complex is expected to attract tourists and inject new energy into Kaohsiung’s popular culture scene.
After meeting German president, Finnish president says a stronger German military means a safer Europe
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said during a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that the stronger the German military becomes, the stronger Europe’s security will be. He made the remarks as U.S. President Donald Trump suggested withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany.
Delhi Metro to invest 160 billion to build 7 new sections and make commuting easier
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Delhi Metro in India announced a major expansion plan, investing NT$160.5 billion to build 7 new lines and 65 new stations. 4 lines are scheduled to be completed as a priority by 2029, significantly improving commuting convenience in the capital region.
Companies mentioned:デリー地下鉄会社 (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation)
Cheerleader Jie Jie discusses her father’s cancer diagnosis and transformation, inheriting dance genes from teacher Lanbo
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Cheerleader Jie Jie spoke about how life changed after her father, dance instructor Mr. Lan Bo, was diagnosed with cancer. She said he now goes to bed and gets up early, exercises regularly, and has shifted the focus of his life from work to family.
Councilors call for high-capacity trains on the Minsheng-Xizhi line; Taipei’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems plans to assess the proposal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Taipei city councilor proposed upgrading the MRT Minsheng-Xizhi Line from medium capacity to high capacity to accommodate future passenger growth. The Department of Rapid Transit Systems said it intends to assess the line’s transport capacity.
Pina Bausch’s work returns to Taiwan for the 8th time; Yu Tsai-chin and Tien Tsai-wei perform in their hometown
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
German choreographer Pina Bausch’s work Like Moss on a Stone is returning to Taiwan for the 8th time. Taiwanese dancers Yu Tsai-chin and Tian Tsai-wei will perform with ウーパタダンスシアター in a homecoming appearance at the National Theater in Taipei.
Owner of well-known Taipei cafe accused of secretly filming customers, with more than 20 victims; prosecutors indict him
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Shilin District Prosecutors Office indicted the male owner of a famous cafe in Taipei’s Datong District for allegedly installing a tiny camera inside the establishment and secretly filming more than 20 women. The alleged victims also include people at accommodation facilities in Taiwan and overseas.
Nurse-to-patient ratios formally written into law; New Taipei nursing sector hopes to retain young workers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan formally enacted a three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio requirement, drawing support from the nursing community in New Taipei City. The move is expected to improve working conditions for nurses and help retain young talent.
Self-paid flu drug Xofluza was once in short supply; failure to report in advance carries a NT$60,000 fine
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration fined Shionogi, the marketing authorization holder, NT$60,000 for failing to report in advance a shortage of its self-pay anti-influenza drug Xofluza 20 mg tablets. Supply of the drug has returned to normal since Feb. 5, year 115.
Taiwan stocks hit a record high in April; 5.69 million people traded, down from March
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s stock market hit a new high in April, but the number of trading accounts fell to 5,695,041 from 6,235,182 in March, a decrease of 540,141. That was the second-largest figure on record.
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua declines invitation to mainland food expo, citing tight schedule and saying no officials will be sent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua declined an invitation to China’s World Traditional Food and Nutrition Products Expo, scheduled for June. The county government will not attend because its Agriculture Department judged the preparation period too short, but said it would welcome invitations to promote Nantou’s agricultural products.
Taiwan stocks pull back and the New Taiwan dollar ends a 4-session winning streak; weekly close rises 2.19 jiao
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Amid tensions in the Middle East and a correction in AI stocks, Taiwan’s stock market fell more than 900 points from its high, while foreign investors sold NT$12 billion worth of shares. The New Taiwan dollar ended a 4-day rally, falling 2 fen against the U.S. dollar to NT$31.429, but finished the week up 2.19 jiao.
Chang Yu-cheng gets extra work at second base due to elbow issues; Shen Hao-wei begins playing as competition within the team heats up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
富邦悍將 player Chang Yu-cheng practiced playing second base because of elbow discomfort, while player Shen Hao-wei began appearing in minor-league games. Competition within the team is intensifying, and the manager said player selections would be based on performance.
U.S.-Iran conflict fuels doubts about peace talks; most Asian stocks close lower
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Asian stock markets fell as renewed U.S.-Iran clashes heightened concerns about peace talks. U.S. airstrikes on Iranian military targets put the ceasefire agreement at risk, dampening market optimism.
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a special military procurement law with a sharply reduced budget cap. The Democratic Progressive Party expressed strong regret and warned that national defense and security could be undermined.
Han Kuo-yu to lead cross-party lawmakers on visits to Britain and France tomorrow to promote parliamentary diplomacy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Legislative Yuan President 韓國瑜 will visit France and the United Kingdom from tomorrow through the 17th, leading lawmakers from across party lines to promote parliamentary diplomacy. He is also scheduled to attend a meeting of the Federation of European Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce.
ASE partners with Nanzi Electronics to invest NT$35.2 billion in factory expansion in Kaohsiung
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
ASE Technology and Nanzi Electronic announced plans to invest NT$35.2 billion to expand an advanced packaging plant in Kaohsiung. Focusing on advanced AI packaging technology, the facility is targeted to begin operations in September 2029 and create about 2,050 jobs. The investment will serve high-end fields including AI, cloud computing and autonomous driving.
Liu Shih-fang’s nephew dismissed from job; 海基會 says Beijing’s coercion to force public statements will not stop
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Straits Exchange Foundation warned that political pressure from the Chinese Communist Party on Taiwanese businesses could increase following the dismissal of a nephew of Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang, who worked for a Taiwanese company in mainland China. The foundation said doing business there involves political risks and urged Taiwanese companies to be cautious.
佳能企業 posted first-quarter net profit of NT$236 million, up 1.71 times year on year, as shipments of robotic sensing components and products related to AI and drones performed well. The company expects substantial growth in 2026 and is focusing in particular on humanoid robots and AI vision technology.
Three-shift nurse-to-patient ratios written into law; medical sector fears staffing shortages could force more beds to close
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan enacted a three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio requirement. The healthcare sector is concerned that a severe nursing shortage will worsen and lead to continued hospital bed closures. Staffing is particularly difficult at hospitals in rural areas, which are calling for flexible application of penalty standards.
Joseph Wu: Hope to develop relations with Honduras on the basis of shared prosperity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taiwan is open to developing relations with Honduras on the basis of mutual prosperity, following reports that Honduran President Asfura is reconsidering agreements with China.
Fu Meng-po feels down after leaving family to record a show; Honduras offers warm words of encouragement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Actor Fu Meng-po, who is taking part in the reality show Ah Oh! The Most Kiang Village Squad 2, felt down about being away from his family as a new father. Veteran actor Honduras offered warm advice, urging Fu to make time for his children even when busy.
Accused of using AI short videos in election campaign, Sanae Takaichi denies distributing smear videos
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi denied at a plenary session of the House of Councillors allegations that her camp had widely circulated AI-generated short videos attacking other candidates. A weekly magazine report alleged that AI videos were produced and spread on social media as part of a strategy targeting specific candidates, but Takaichi’s camp categorically denied disseminating information outside official accounts or spreading negative content.
China says there are no hantavirus hosts or cases in the country after outbreak on cruise ship
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Hantavirus, which may spread from person to person, was detected aboard the cruise ship Hondius. The China CDC said there are no natural hosts or infection cases in mainland China. The WHO warned that 5 confirmed cases, 3 suspected cases and 3 deaths had been reported, and that more cases could emerge because of the long incubation period.
Bailu Indigenous community care station opens in Pingtung; Laiyi Township achieves full coverage of long-term care service sites
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Pingtung County Government opened a cultural health station in Laiyi Township, bringing the number of such stations in the township to all 10 tribal villages and the coverage of long-term care hubs to 100%. The initiative is expected to help older residents age in place and create jobs for young people.
創見 Chairman Chung Chung-wan: AI is ushering in a new era; memory chips could remain in short supply through 2028
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Shu Chongwan, chairman of memory module maker 創見資訊, predicted that the AI boom could keep memory in short supply until 2028 and drive prices higher. The company plans to issue about NT$3 billion in unsecured convertible bonds to raise funds.
Fubon Guardians keep 2 foreign pitchers on the first-team roster; Hitoshi Goto praises local starters’ performance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After foreign hitter 邦力多 left, 富邦悍將 maintained a 2-foreign-pitcher setup on its first team. Manager Mitsutaka Goto said the team could stick with the arrangement if its strong results continue, and praised the good form of its local starting pitchers.
Taiwan Mobile exports smart firefighting and rescue solutions to Japan, aims to grow AI application revenue 4 times
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Mobile announced a partnership with Japanese company Nirik to export its “5G Smart Firefighting and Rescue System” to Japan. Demand for AI and smart applications is surging, and Taiwan Mobile’s AI-related revenue is expected to increase by more than 4 times this year. The company is also looking to expand into Southeast Asian markets.
Companies mentioned:Nirik、CONG TY TNHH ADV BRAND GLOBAL、精誠 (SYNNEX Technology International Corp.)、Vantage、GMI Cloud、NVIDIA (輝達)