[TAC School of Qualification] Free online seminar on Aug. 29 (Sat): “Improve your TOEIC® L&R score! Efficient ways to build vocabulary that can be applied to every part.” Receive a discount coupon by completing the survey
Classical Japanese and Chinese literature learning adventure game: Heian court simulation 『文（ふみ）』 now available on iOS and Android
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
A one-time purchase for 500 yen (tax included) unlocks the Chinese classics section, all supplementary questions, and Chinese classics in free practice
Now available on App Store and Google Play starting August 20, 2026
Companies mentioned：合同会社SNAPLACE、App Store、Google Play
[100-day art project] 100 days during which guesthouse “ARIAKE105” in Kanonji, Kagawa Prefecture, becomes a gallery where visitors can stay. Starts September 1, 2026
[Over 500,000 total views] Yukarien’s first Harajuku pop-up draws a strong response on social media, attracting visitors from across Japan, including Kyoto and Yamanashi
“Being able to walk can become a barrier”: immersive awareness-raising event “Barrierful Restaurant” opens to the public at the cultural festival (神無祭) of Kawasaki High School in 川崎市 on September 5 (Saturday)!
[Registration now open] Key public- and private-sector figures working on organizational and operational transformation to gather in one place! September 13 Publink Event: The cutting edge of organizational and operational reform in the public sector
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Around 1,000 key public- and private-sector figures gathered in one place
[独自調査] Paid AI users account for 27.65% overall, while 61.41% are willing to pay — Results of a survey of 311 people on paid AI search and AI tools released
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
ChatGPT Plus / Pro leads with a usage rate of 62.5%
“2,001–5,000 yen” was the most common response at 15.76%
Companies mentioned：ナレッジホールディングス株式会社、ChatGPT Plus / Pro、Gemini Advanced、Claude Pro / Max、Notion AI
[熊本地震支援] 一般社団法人協働型災害訓練 and ソーシャル・インパクト・ワークス（SIW） release an integrated data spreadsheet compiling the chronological responses of the national government, prefecture, JVOAD and KVOAD. Lessons from the Kumamoto earthquake for the future.
A demonstration experiment with 福岡大学 confirmed a temperature difference of up to 4.66°C for the patent-pending “CoolSkin®.” セイコー・エステート＆ディベロップメント develops building technology adapted to an era of extreme heat
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Interior side of inner wall: 39.34°C → 34.68°C, 4.66°C lower
Exterior side of inner wall: 40.73°C → 36.23°C, 4.50°C lower
Interior side of insulation: 25.38°C → 23.52°C, 1.86°C lower
Episode 7 airs tonight! Yurika Nakamura and Reo Sano co-star in 「夫に不倫をお願いされました」. The day before returning to Hiroki (Reo Sano), who contacted her about their wedding anniversary, Hanae (Yurika Nakamura) shares a car kiss with her classmate Ryohei (Shono Hayama)…
A next-generation E-Bike that “reduces the hassle of charging” in everyday life and becomes a “mobile 60W power source” during disasters. HelioX unveils a prototype “Solar E-Bike” powered and charged by sunlight, and sets its sights on a full-scale launch
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Approximately 80 km of range on battery power alone
Original1日最大約40km走行相当の電力を太陽光から自律補充電
Up to 60W of external power supply
Media showcase to be held on Aug. 21, 2026 (Friday)
RAPSTAR 2025 contestant Alif Wolf teams up with Liza, who will perform at SUMMER SONIC 2026, to release “On my wave,” a free-spirited, bold summer anthem
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Released on Aug. 19, 2026 (Wednesday)
Companies mentioned：ABEMA、Alif Wolf、Liza、Foux、SUMMER SONIC 2026、RAPSTAR 2025
【Reprint announced】Perfect for summer vacation research projects. A huge hit on TV and social media! 『ひとりでできた！ 食べられるじっけん』 lets kids learn through fun experiments using supermarket ingredients
Bringing pediatric psychiatric home-visit nursing to children who cannot attend school or hospital, and supporting families facing school refusal and developmental disabilities, from Kyoto to all of Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Target amount is 500,000 yen
A simple calculation puts the number of children who may need special educational support at about 1,200
Asia Rural Institute West Japan Training Donation Campaign “Living Kindly with Our Neighbors” reaches its second goal of 2.2 million yen — The Day the War Ended and the Founding Roots of Asia Rural Institute, the Rural Evangelism Seminary
Hua Chun-hsiung’s view: As wars rage around the world, China pursues progress while maintaining stability.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
As wars continue around the world and economic losses mount, China is advancing strategic moves that leverage its economic power without intervening directly. China is also pursuing its own strategy in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and turmoil in the Middle East.
Wang Li-ben’s view: The geopolitical loneliness of a great power—revisiting Taiwan’s “no showdown” survival strategy through China’s regional challenges.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An analysis of China's rise and the complexity of its geopolitical security environment explains why Taiwan should adopt a strategy of “not showing its hand.” China's military buildup is heightening security concerns among neighboring countries and creating a security dilemma.
Wang Yi-hsiung’s view: If you’re willing to be a pawn, what can you say about dignity?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
At the 2026 Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Peace Memorial Ceremony, Taiwan's representative was seated in the “overseas section,” prompting the Democratic Progressive Party government to criticize it as “belittlement by China.” Nagasaki City explained that the arrangements were the same as last year, with no actual change. The episode appears to be largely political theater.
Lin Chi-hsing’s view: The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should coexist peacefully, rather than destroy each other as Russia and Ukraine have.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Professor 林基興 called for peaceful coexistence across the Taiwan Strait, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual trust in light of lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war. He criticized the Green camp for stoking the flames of war.
Wang Shun-min’s view: Taking NT$10,000 today and selling off the next generation’s future—the political calculus and structural paradox of cash handouts.
Fan Li-da’s view: Lee Teng-hui through Lin Hsiao-ting’s eyes.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Historian Dr. 林孝庭 praised a new book analyzing the era of former Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui. Drawing on a wealth of historical sources, the author offers an in-depth examination of Lee Teng-hui's political influence.
Opinion: A poll alarms the president! Is a close race in Kaohsiung unacceptable?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te dismissed unfavorable polling on the Kaohsiung mayoral election as “fake polls,” drawing criticism for using national security as a political tool. The approach risks undermining the foundations of democracy.
Why doesn’t a jeans zipper slide down easily on its own? Many people don’t know about the design hidden in the zipper slider.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
YKK explains how the zipper on jeans is designed not to slide down on its own. A small locking mechanism is built into the slider, and the zipper locks automatically when the pull tab is lowered.
Opinion: 5 suggestions for Han Kuo-yu—how can the dignity of the legislature and constitutional order be upheld?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Executive Yuan’s repeated refusal to implement bills passed by the Legislative Yuan has triggered a constitutional crisis. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu has been urged to use institutional measures to strengthen legislative oversight and uphold constitutional order, a move considered crucial to Taiwan’s democracy.
Yang Hsiu-hui’s view: The next frontier in AI finance—from conversational tool to indispensable partner.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This press release describes how AI is evolving from a mere information-providing tool into a “super teammate” that supports users' financial decisions. It focuses in particular on the asset-building challenges faced by middle-aged and older people and emphasizes the importance of AI agents.
Opinion: Was the rejection of the environmental impact assessment for the North-Yilan direct rail line a wrongful dismissal? Major national transport decisions should be reassessed scientifically.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The North-Yilan direct rail line’s environmental impact assessment was rejected because the route passes through the Feitsui Reservoir watershed. The author argues that its feasibility should be reassessed using modern science and technology, emphasizing its combined benefits for transportation, public finances, the environment and national defense, and calling for policies to be revisable.
Tian Xiwei and Meng Ziyi aren’t No. 1! The 10 Chinese drama actresses who most changed viewers’ minds in 2026: the winner went from being doubted to earning universal acclaim, winning viewers over completely by the end.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In Chinese dramas in 2026, Wang Churan completely changed viewers' opinions with her starring role in “成何體統” and was selected as the top performer. Tian Xiwei, Meng Ziyi and Liu Haocun also drew attention with performances that overturned their past images.
Opinion: Zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving does not mean zero scrutiny of rapid tests.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In Taiwan's crackdown on drug-impaired driving, the reliability of rapid screening tests and the effects of legal drugs have become issues, prompting calls for an evidence system based on scientific standards.
Opinion: Do you understand the chaos in the Legislative Yuan?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Partisan divisions over budget review have intensified in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, eroding democratic principles. As Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu warns of institutional collapse, the actions of the Blue-White coalition are having a negative impact on the public.
Opinion: Can the Taiwan-U.S. Reciprocal Trade Agreement become a lever for labor rights reform in Taiwan?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In February 2026, Taiwan and the United States signed the Taiwan-U.S. Reciprocal Trade Agreement, which includes labor rights. International pressure may provide an impetus for labor reform, but its effectiveness depends on workers' own grassroots movements.
The Gulf Quadrilateral: The Postwar Order of the U.S., Israel, Iran and the Arab World: Excerpt from “War at the Window” (3)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, Iran has been described as a new center of power, wielding influence over global energy supplies through control of the Strait of Hormuz. This shift is attributed to strategic errors by the United States.
The most frightening prediction in “Metal Gear Solid 2” wasn’t AI! When there’s too much information online to keep up with, who decides what you ultimately believe?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
“Metal Gear Solid 2” foresaw the dangers of an information-saturated society in 2001 and raised the question of who decides “what people see.” The core issue is the “structure of digital society,” not AI.
Most disliked Asian stock market changes hands! Bank of America: “This country” replaces Indonesia at the bottom, while Taiwan and Japan remain favorites
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
A U.S. bank survey found that India has emerged as Asia's least-favored stock market, while Taiwan and Japan remain popular. AI and policy certainty are key to capital allocation.
U.S.-Canada deal shows signs of progress! Steel and aluminum tariffs could be halved to 25%, while auto tariffs could fall to 15%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Progress has been made in U.S.-Canada trade talks, with an agreement nearing on lowering tariffs from 50% to 25% on steel and aluminum and from 25% to 15% on autos. A final agreement is likely to be reached before the weekend deadline.
U.S. stocks face risk of a “sharp shock”! Gamma could turn negative, and a sell-off could accelerate a drop
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The risk of a breakdown in the U.S. stock market's low-correlation structure is rising. If Gamma in the options market turns sharply negative, market volatility could accelerate and trigger a steep decline.
Bessent takes drastic action to rescue U.S. Treasuries! Wall Street sees a “Trump put” and “Treasury Department-style QT”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The U.S. Treasury has doubled its buybacks of long-term bonds, intervening to counter upward pressure on market interest rates. The move is seen as a symbolic indication of the Trump administration's willingness to support markets and is affecting financial markets.
Companies mentioned：Janney、Natixis、ING、One Point BFG Wealth Partners、Deutsche Bank、Pimco、Wisdom Fixed Income Management、Evercore、Brandywine Global Investment Management、RSM
Trump signals openness! Tariffs on Canadian autos could fall from 25% to 15%, with steel and aluminum rates also halved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The United States is considering lowering tariffs on Canadian-made autos, steel and aluminum. Tariffs on autos would fall from 25% to 15%, and those on steel and aluminum from 50% to 25%. The move is expected to ease tensions in North American supply chains.
OpenAI CFO: Company could go public in 2027 or earlier
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
OpenAI's CFO told employees that the company plans to go public in 2027 or earlier. Revenue growth, the competitive landscape and a succession of senior executive departures were also disclosed.
New York FX: Dollar falls to a three-month low as Treasury buybacks push yields down
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The U.S. dollar fell to a 3-month low, while an expansion of U.S. Treasury repo operations pushed long-term yields lower. The Federal Reserve warned of inflation risks and signaled the possibility of raising rates.
Micron’s NAND market share rises to third, but stock remains under pressure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
美光科技’s NAND market share rose to third globally, reaching 15.1%, but its stock fell amid market concerns about interest rates. Fundamentals remain solid, with strong revenue growth.
U.S. stocks after hours: Bessent takes drastic action to rescue Treasuries; three major indexes end three-day losing streak, Moderna surges about 177%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Treasury Secretary Bessent doubled buybacks of long-term bonds to stem rising interest rates. U.S. stocks rebounded after 3 straight days of losses, while semiconductor stocks continued to fall. Moderna shares surged 177% after the success of its cancer vaccine.
Google reshuffles AI chip supply chain: 博通 loses ground, Marvell surges nearly 10%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Google expanded its AI chip partnership with Marvell and acquired the right to purchase shares. Marvell shares surged as a result, while 博通 shares fell. A reshaping of the AI supply chain is underway.
Precious metals after hours: Plunging Treasury yields and a sharply weaker dollar spark buying; gold soars more than 3% to $4,500, while silver and platinum also surge
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The U.S. Treasury expanded support for liquidity in long-term bonds, sending U.S. Treasury yields sharply lower. The dollar weakened, pushing gold up more than 3% to near $4,500. Silver and platinum also rose sharply.
Energy after hours: Only 6 ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz; oil rises for 4th straight session to nearly 4-week high despite jump in U.S. inventories, with Brent nearing $92
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Worsening conditions in the Middle East have severely restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rose for 4 consecutive days, with Brent crude reaching $91.62, a 4-week high. Rising U.S. inventories were not enough to offset the impact.
Taiwan stocks: Key premarket news: Index falls below quarterly moving average after low-volume rebound—was the rally a bull trap? Global Unichip plans massive 65.5 billion fundraising
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan stocks fell 589 points on the 19th, dropping below the quarterly moving average, as all three major institutional investors were net sellers. Global Unichip announced a 65.5 billion fundraising, while foreign investors shifted to traditional industry stocks. Bulls and bears remain locked in a struggle, and the New Taiwan dollar strengthened.
The yen loses its crown! The Swiss franc becomes the new top funding currency with its zero interest rate; experts say U.S. and Japanese actions have rewritten the logic underpinning carry trades
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The yen was sold off amid joint U.S.-Japan intervention and interest rates rising to 1%. With a 0% interest rate and the central bank allowing it to weaken, the Swiss franc has become a favored currency for emerging carry trades, reshaping the funding-currency landscape in foreign exchange markets.
Companies mentioned：日本銀行(BOJ)、スイス国立銀行(SNB)、CFTC、Neuberger Berman、米銀（Bank of America）、ING、摩根大通、フランス農業信貸銀行
Fed’s July minutes lean hawkish! If inflation does not cool, “rate hikes” will be needed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting showed that most participants believed rate hikes would be necessary unless inflation slows. This indicates that monetary policy tightening may continue and has drawn market attention.
Companies mentioned：Cleveland Federal Reserve、Dallas Federal Reserve、Minneapolis Federal Reserve
New oil field off the mouth of Brazil’s Amazon River draws attention; experts fear social and ecological costs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Oil has been discovered offshore at the mouth of Brazil’s Amazon River, sparking domestic debate over the energy transition and economic development. The government sees a strategic opportunity, while environmental groups and experts are concerned about the social and environmental costs.