# AI News 180m Report｜2026-07-29 00:00–03:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 31 items from 3 sources; Japan, 5 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## The Crimes of Kyojo and Alice in Borderland lose out! Netflix’s TOP 10 Japanese dramas of the first half of 2026 revealed, with the top show racking up 9.5 million views and viewers hooked from the start

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:30:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11152235
- anchor: #n1729933

Netflix has announced its rankings of Japanese dramas for the first half of 2026. Series across diverse genres, including crime, romance and survival, have attracted popularity, with the Alice in Borderland series drawing particular attention.

## TOP 10 most popular Demon Slayer characters revealed! Tanjiro Kamado and Zenitsu Agatsuma both lose to him: He believed in the Kamado siblings from beginning to end, and there’s no reason not to love him

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:01:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11148082
- anchor: #n1729934

A Japanese fan-voting website has published its ranking of the most popular Demon Slayer characters. The poll included characters ranging from the protagonists to the nine Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Muzan Kibutsuji and the Twelve Kizuki. Discussion of the series has heated up again with the release of the first installment of the Infinity Castle trilogy in theaters.

## Cross-strait direct flights boom! 浙江長龍航空 launches direct flights from Taichung to Chengdu, with Jiuzhaigou and other “three major” travel wonders all in one trip

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11152341
- anchor: #n1727468
- Companies mentioned: 浙江長龍航空、台中市観光旅遊局

浙江長龍航空が台中と成都を結ぶ直行便を3月28日に就航。中台湾700万人の市場を背景に、九寨溝や楽山大仏など観光アクセスが大幅に改善され、両岸交流が加速する。

## Aftermath of Trump’s tariff storm: Federal deficit surges, supply chains reshaped—can global trade rules go back to the way they were?

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:33:11+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152379
- anchor: #n1727469
- Companies mentioned: PepsiCo、Nintendo

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” were illegal, but the economic turmoil and corporate losses already incurred will be difficult to undo, leaving trade uncertainty.

## 聯準會升息將引爆「全球股災」？阮慕驊預言市場連鎖反應：不如破壞徹底一點

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:11:37+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152378
- anchor: #n1727470
- Companies mentioned: 聯準會、美聯儲

The 聯準會 may raise interest rates, putting financial markets under pressure, but they could rebound after stabilizing. Ruan Mu-hua analyzed changes in bond markets and consumer loan rates, and said earlier rate hikes would be more conducive to market stability.

## 熊本規模7.1強震！台積電JASM廠緊急疏散 最新營運狀況曝光

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:55:42+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152376
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575566-en.html
- anchor: #n1727339
- Companies mentioned: 台積電、SK海力士、三星、博通、研華、台達電、友懇、東京之星

The summary of this item is not shown

## Breaking: Cross-strait direct flights boom! China Airlines to fly directly to “this city” on the mainland from Oct. 28, resuming service after a 6-year hiatus—is this an important sign of a thaw in cross-strait ties?

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:44:56+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152375
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575572-en.html
- anchor: #n1727340
- Companies mentioned: 中國東方航空、山東航空、春秋航空、浙江長龍航空、中國國際航空、四川航空

The summary of this item is not shown

## Is the Fed being forced to raise rates? Ruan Mu-hua reveals “this market has already voted with its feet”: an important trend to watch

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:44:24+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152374
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575569-en.html
- anchor: #n1727341
- Companies mentioned: Bank of America

In response to U.S. economic data and the hawkish stance of senior Fed officials, markets see the possibility of an interest rate hike as having surged. Expert 阮慕驊 said rising long-term bond yields and the market’s “voting with its feet” are forcing the Fed to raise rates.

## High-end dining cools while affordable lunch boxes fly off the shelves! Zhuo Jing-lun reveals consumer downshifting in domestic demand; Fried Chicken Master’s first U.S. outlet delayed until August or September

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:33:10+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152372
- anchor: #n1727342
- Companies mentioned: 揚秦國際企業

Taiwan’s dining market is undergoing structural changes, with demand for high-end restaurants declining while affordable lunch boxes are selling well. 揚秦國際企業 Chairman Zhuo Jing-lun said domestic consumers are diverting some spending to overseas travel, leading to weaker demand for high-end dining, while demand for affordable meals remains steady. The company is also taking a more cautious approach to overseas expansion, postponing the opening of its first U.S. outlet until August or September.

## Winnie the Pooh cross-brand collaboration lends a hand! McDonald’s Taiwan aims for double-digit summer revenue growth, targets 1,100 stores by year-end and 2 million app members

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:29:09+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152371
- anchor: #n1727343
- Companies mentioned: 迪士尼

McDonald’s Taiwan has teamed up with 迪士尼’s Winnie the Pooh to offer limited-edition meals and blind boxes. It expects double-digit revenue growth from summer through the start of the school year and is targeting 1,100 stores and 2 million app members.

## Bank of Japan caught in a rate-hike dilemma! Ruan Mu-hua reveals it is being squeezed by “mounting debt and inflation”: Rates should have been raised to 2% long ago

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:22:57+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152373
- anchor: #n1727344

Japan’s central bank is caught in a rate-hike dilemma amid mounting debt and inflationary pressure. Expert Ruan Mu-hua said rates should have been raised to 2% earlier, but the fiscal burden has delayed policy action.

## 熊本強震台廠最新狀況！台積電JASM逐步回線、部分建廠工程暫停，經濟部：研華、台達電等台廠暫無影響

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:14:57+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152369
- anchor: #n1727345
- Companies mentioned: 台積電、研華、台達電、友懇、東京之星

熊本發生規模7.1強震，台積電JASM廠區測得震度5，人員安全、建築無損，產線逐步恢復。部分建廠工程為防餘震暫停。經濟部確認研華、台達電等台廠營運未受影響。

## 《油不得你》 targeted by authorities; Huang Kuo-chang blasts: Is Taiwan a country governed by the rule of law or a police state?

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:07:14+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152335
- anchor: #n1727346

The Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating the political satire video “油不得你” over allegations that it used AI to synthesize President Lai Ching-te’s voice, prompting Huang Kuo-chang to criticize it as a “police state.” Questions about freedom of speech and legal procedures have emerged.

## ASML shares plunge! Major breakthrough in China’s DUV technology; JPMorgan analysis: Yield is the key

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:00:51+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11152365
- anchor: #n1727347
- Companies mentioned: ASML、中芯国際（SMIC）、華虹半導体、長鑫儲存（CXMT）、上海微電子裝備、新凱來（SiCarrier）、上海電氣控股集團、上海國際信託

Chinese state-owned company 愛晟納 has begun mass-producing immersion DUV lithography equipment. It is challenging ASML’s market dominance, but a technological gap remains.

## Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Kumamoto; 2 people in cardiopulmonary arrest, 19 missing

- Published: 2026-07-29T02:22:12+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202607290004.aspx
- anchor: #n1729993
- Companies mentioned: 日本製紙八代工廠、永旺夢樂城熊本

Facts:
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake
- 2 people in cardiopulmonary arrest
- 19 people missing
- 11 people trapped
- 2 personnel
- 9 people
- 4 injured people
- 1 person
- 10 people
- 20 to 30 people

## 熊本7.1強震永旺夢樂城爆炸 疑由瓦斯外洩引起

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:45:09+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202607290003.aspx
- anchor: #n1727529
- Companies mentioned: 永旺夢樂城、CNN、朝日電視台

Facts:
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake

## European stocks close higher on strong corporate earnings and falling oil prices

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:19:07+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202607290002.aspx
- anchor: #n1727528
- Companies mentioned: 倫敦FTSE 100指數、法蘭克福DAX指數、巴黎CAC 40指數

Facts:
- 倫敦FTSE 100指數 rises 89.27 points, or 0.83%
- 倫敦FTSE 100指數 rises 89.27 points, or 0.83%, closing at 10871.02
- 法蘭克福DAX指數 edges up 102.98 points, or 0.41%
- 法蘭克福DAX指數 edges up 102.98 points, or 0.41%, closing at 25464.01
- 巴黎CAC 40指數 inches up 52.72 points, or 0.63%
- 巴黎CAC 40指數 inches up 52.72 points, or 0.63%, closing at 8458.78

## Cost of Air Force One modifications rises; 波音 posts nearly NT$13.9 billion loss in Q2, more than expected

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:30:59+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202607280371.aspx
- anchor: #n1727407
- Companies mentioned: 波音、美國航空監管機關

Facts:
- Second-quarter revenue rose 8% year over year to $24.6 billion
- Cost of modifying 2 U.S. presidential aircraft rises by $280 million
- 波音 posts a quarterly loss of $428 million
- The VC-25B program posted a loss of $280 million last quarter

## UK food awards: Taiwanese Indigenous community’s camellia oil wins top excellence star award

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:27:57+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202607280370.aspx
- anchor: #n1727406
- Companies mentioned: Great Taste Awards、Guild of Fine Food, GFF、YouGov、耕鳥共食、917農場、DOULILY、豆油伯、薪寬茶園、林俊傑茶園、情人蜂蜜

The UK food awards have announced their latest results. Taiwan entered 253 products, with 8 items—including products from 花蓮布農族部落「耕鳥共食」—receiving the 3-star “Outstanding” seal, an impressive showing.

Facts:
- A total of 253 products from Taiwan entered this year
- 8 items received the 3-star “Outstanding” seal
- 近6成（58%）英國成年人認得Great Taste Awards標章
- 其中有超過7成的人認為，該標章有助提升產品吸引力（74%）
- It is a trusted guide (73%)
- 92 items received the 1-star “Simply Delicious” seal
- 27 items received 2 stars for “Outstanding”
- More than 15,000 products from 116 countries entered this year
- Only about 2% of products (306 items) received 3 stars
- The shares of products receiving 2 stars and 1 star were nearly 11% each

## 富比世籲川普批准對台軍售 指幫助台灣就是幫助美國

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:20:55+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202607280369.aspx
- anchor: #n1727405
- Companies mentioned: 富比世、Forbes、Forbes Media、川普、Donald Trump、Marco Rubio、Steve Forbes

Facts:
- $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan

## Shopping center collapses after Kumamoto earthquake; dashcam captures moment of explosion

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:10:53+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202607280368.aspx
- anchor: #n1727404
- Companies mentioned: 永旺夢樂城熊本、日本製紙

Facts:
- Total floor area of about 120,000 square meters
- A section of the shopping center’s exterior wall, about 50 meters long, completely collapsed

## Control Yuan censures Nan Cong for concealing gender-equity incident; school to hold meeting for discussion

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:04:50+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202607280367.aspx
- anchor: #n1727399
- Companies mentioned: 監察院、台南大學、台南大學附屬啟聰學校、國教署、陳秀雅、陳杉吉

Facts:
- Republic Year 112

## Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Kumamoto; Fire Agency prepares international rescue teams for deployment

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:59:48+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/202607280366.aspx
- anchor: #n1727338
- Companies mentioned: 日本交流協会、総務省消防庁、台南市消防局、嘉義県消防局、新竹市消防局

Facts:
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake

## President Lai sends condolences in Japanese over Kumamoto earthquake; Japanese netizens flood in with thanks

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:55:46+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202607280365.aspx
- anchor: #n1727275
- Companies mentioned: 永旺夢樂城熊本、47NEWS、facebook

Facts:
- More than 15,000 reposts
- 110,000 likes

## Landslide in Pengshui, Chongqing: new search confirms 30 dead

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:49:42+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202607280364.aspx
- anchor: #n1727276
- Companies mentioned: 澎湃新聞、中央社

Facts:
- A total of 30 victims have now been confirmed dead in the latest search
- 11 deaths had previously been reported
- 10 people injured
- 50 people missing
- Bodies of 3 more victims found at the scene
- Death toll rises to 14

## Shein hit by trouble ahead of Hong Kong IPO! Under investigation by FTC, faces potentially hefty penalties

- Published: 2026-07-29T02:00:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6549004
- anchor: #n1729873
- Companies mentioned: FTC

Shein is under investigation by the U.S. FTC, it has emerged, raising financial risks just ahead of its Hong Kong IPO. The possibility of a hefty fine could affect market confidence.

## What will Meta say on its earnings call? Traders are 90% betting on this key word

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:30:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6549005
- anchor: #n1729874
- Companies mentioned: Amazon、Microsoft、Google、EssilorLuxottica、Kalshi

There is a 90% chance that “cloud” will be mentioned on Meta’s earnings call, putting its AI infrastructure monetization strategy in focus. Smart glasses and in-house chips are also drawing attention.

## Are oil prices set to rise again? OPEC+ reportedly to make final production increase in September, then hold steady through year-end

- Published: 2026-07-29T01:00:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6548813
- anchor: #n1727408
- Companies mentioned: OPEC+、OPEC、俄羅斯、沙國

Facts:
- 9 月每日增產 18.8 萬桶
- Brent crude futures briefly topped $100 a barrel last week
- Prices have now fallen below $90

## All the danger signals are flashing for U.S. stocks! $1.5 trillion in leveraged bets could intensify market volatility

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:00:05+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6548893
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575563-en.html
- anchor: #n1727277
- Companies mentioned: Raymond James

Margin debt in the U.S. stock market has reached $1.5 trillion, while risks of a carry-trade reversal due to high interest rates, rising crude oil prices and a weaker yen are converging, increasing market instability.

## How much longer can the AI money-burning game continue? After Google’s plunge, three tech giants face earnings test

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:30:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6548876
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575560-en.html
- anchor: #n1727278
- Companies mentioned: Alphabet、Amazon、Meta、Microsoft、OpenAI、Anthropic、Evercore ISI、Cowen、FactSet、Visible Alpha、Longbow Asset Management、Wedbush、Columbia Threadneedle

Alphabet shares plunged 7% after a sharp increase in its 2026 capital expenditure forecast raised market concerns about returns on AI investment, also weighing on Amazon, Meta and Microsoft. Investors will focus on AI spending and cash flow in the latter three companies’ earnings reports.

## Payment giant also swings the layoff ax! Visa reportedly slashes 2,600 jobs, with technology and product teams bearing the brunt

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:10:03+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6548875
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575557-en.html
- anchor: #n1727279
- Companies mentioned: Visa、Mastercard、Block、PayPal

Visa plans to cut about 2600 employees, mainly in its technology and product divisions, to improve efficiency and reinvest in growth areas. The move follows a broader wave of industry restructuring and aims to maintain competitiveness.

## [2026 Amazon Summer Sale to Support Everyday Living / Summer Gift Sale] Up to 10% off the アスハダ series and health foods | July 29 (Wed.)–August 6 (Thu.) [Beauty, skin care and health]

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:10:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001033.000054365.html
- anchor: #n1727401
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社RAVIPA、Amazon、アスハダ、ズッカチン

Facts:
- Special prices: up to 10% off
- 2026 Amazon Summer Sale to Support Everyday Living
- Sale period: July 29, 2026 (Wed.) 0:00
- August 6, 2026 (Mon.) 23:59

## [2026 Amazon Summer Sale to Support Everyday Living / Summer Gift Sale] Up to 10% off the Hairmore series | July 29 (Wed.)–August 6 (Thu.) [Hair care, beauty and skin care]

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:10:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001034.000054365.html
- anchor: #n1727400
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社RAVIPA、Amazon、ラヴィパ

Facts:
- Special prices: up to 10% off
- 2026 Amazon Summer Sale to Support Everyday Living
- July 29, 2026 (Wed.) 0:00
- August 6, 2026 (Mon.) 23:59

## What kind of recruitment website can prevent “silent withdrawals” by outstanding mid-career candidates?

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000280.000038921.html
- anchor: #n1727403
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社揚羽

Facts:
- Capital: 284.1 million yen (as of September 30, 2025)

## ズーカラデル’s 1st MINI ALBUM, “Live Forever,” is now available for streaming! 2 previously unreleased demo tracks have been newly arranged and recorded, and the album is being released with a total of 7 tracks.

- Published: 2026-07-29T00:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001851.000055377.html
- anchor: #n1727402
- Companies mentioned: ズーカラデル、THISTIME RECORDS、タワーレコード、リュックと添い寝ごはん、The Orchard Japan

Facts:
- Released with a total of 7 tracks
- Began selling copies by hand at live music venues in Sapporo on September 20, 2017
- Selected as “Artist of the Year” at the Tower Records Men Award 2018
- Don’t miss ズーカラデル’s activities in the second half of 2026
- Their first tour with seated venues, visiting 8 locations nationwide

## スマートフォン1台の動画からモーションデータを生成する簡易モーションキャプチャーツールを無償提供開始！

- Published: 2026-07-28T23:58:59+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000039.000138121.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3575532-en.html
- anchor: #n1727337
- Companies mentioned: IZUTSUYA株式会社、3Dasset.io

Facts:
- Available for free starting August 10