# AI News 180m Report｜2026-08-21 00:00–03:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 33 items from 5 sources; Japan, 6 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## Why is someone always tending the incense during a wake? What does “the incense must never go out” really mean? A look at the most common funeral taboos

- Published: 2026-08-21T02:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11156824
- anchor: #n2123044

An article explaining the meaning and background of “the incense must never go out” in traditional Taiwanese funerals, as well as changes in modern funeral customs. It analyzes the practical significance of keeping vigil and the origins of related taboos, and compares them with modern funeral practices.

## Dilraba and Bai Lu both lose! The TOP10 most handsome actresses in male disguise in Chinese dramas: She takes the crown, looking more dashing in men’s clothes than the male lead, with her heroic air impossible to hide

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:30:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11158022
- anchor: #n2123045

中国のネットユーザーが選ぶ『陸劇で最もカッコいい女扮男装女優』ランキングが話題に。邢恩が1位に輝き、ディ麗熱巴や白鹿ら人気女優も上位にランクインした。

## “5 household items” to throw away now! A fortune teller reveals Ghost Month taboos: get it wrong and your wealth will vanish, ruining your luck for the whole year

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:05:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11158153
- anchor: #n2123046

A fortune teller says five kinds of items should be cleared out of the home during the seventh lunar month, or they could lead to financial losses and bad luck for the whole year. This is a folk belief, not scientific advice, but is widely taken seriously in Chinese culture.

## Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Along with the Gods lose! This film tops Taiwan’s Netflix movie rankings: based on a true story, it left viewers heartbroken｜Streaming links included

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:59:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11158178
- anchor: #n2118450
- Companies mentioned: Netflix

台湾映画『鳳姐』がNetflix台湾で1位に。実話を基にした感動ストーリーが『鬼滅之刃』などを抜き、社会的弱者の現実を描いた点が評価された。

## U.S. Treasury yields rise, oil prices climb; 3 major U.S. stock indexes open slightly lower

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:33:03+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158226
- anchor: #n2118451
- Companies mentioned: United Microelectronics Corporation、TSMC、Yulon Group

Yields rose as the U.S. Treasury stepped up buybacks of long-term bonds, while worsening tensions in the Middle East also sent oil prices soaring. The 3 major U.S. stock indexes opened lower on the 20th, reflecting investors’ risk-averse stance.

## Big package for military, civil service and education personnel! Salaries to rise 4% next year, with a 5.89% adjustment to monthly pensions also included in the general budget

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:31:59+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158233
- anchor: #n2118452

The summary of this item is not shown

## Don’t fall in love with stocks? Expert reveals a strategy of investing “with marriage in mind”: profits can multiply several times over

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:20:34+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158224
- anchor: #n2118453
- Companies mentioned: 台泥、矽創、奕力KY、聯詠、敦泰電子、聯電、台積電、裕隆

Xie Fuxu, editor-in-chief of “Stock Investment Assistant E-Newsletter,” said that an approach to stock investing akin to “dating with marriage in mind” is important. He explained that holding stocks long term rather than trading short term can yield gains of several times.

## U.S. “big move to save Treasuries” falls flat! Yields return to square one in just 1 day; expert says Trump must make a choice

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:59:22+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158222
- anchor: #n2118324

The U.S. Treasury doubled its buybacks of long-term bonds, but the market reaction was temporary, and yields rose again the following day. Experts said this was not a fundamental solution and stressed the need to force the Trump administration to make policy choices.

## Mobile governance inspection heads to Xizhi; Hou You-yi says progress on the MRT Xidong Line is steady

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:41:32+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158228
- anchor: #n2118325

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi checked on progress on the MRT Xidong Line and improvements to sports facilities during a visit to Xizhi District as part of his action-based governance. The city is aiming for completion in 2032 and promoting improvements to local transportation and sports facilities.

## Stronger rebound potential than ETFs? Expert says active funds are capturing Taiwan’s leading stocks: these 3 funds have a high weighting in 川湖

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:39:30+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158215
- anchor: #n2118326
- Companies mentioned: 野村アセットマネジメント、川湖、台達電、健策、聯亞、創意、高力、欣興、廣達

After a correction in July, Taiwan stocks rebounded in August. According to Feng Zhiyuan of Lipper, active funds in the Nomura group aggressively held shares such as 川湖 and achieved the top returns, demonstrating differences in stock-picking ability.

## Major reversal in the Third Terminal development case! Supreme Administrative Court rules Interior Ministry acted unlawfully, annuls original decision with finality

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:15:51+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158223
- anchor: #n2118327
- Companies mentioned: 台湾中油股份有限公司

The Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the Interior Ministry acted unlawfully in approving the Third Terminal development project and annulled its original decision. Taoyuan residents and environmental groups won their case to protect the algal reefs, highlighting the conflict between environmental and energy policies.

## After leading Hongtai Life for 12 years, president Tang Wei-hua resigns; Hsing Kai-kuo to serve as acting president

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:14:19+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158225
- anchor: #n2118328
- Companies mentioned: 康健人壽、蘇黎世国際人壽、金管会、櫃買中心、華南永昌證券

Hongtai Life President Tang Wei-hua resigned for career planning reasons, ending a 12-year tenure. Senior vice president Hsing Kai-kuo will serve as acting president. Chairman Li Chi-hsien will remain in his post, signaling the company’s emphasis on stable governance.

## Why is Wang Hui-mei letting Wei Ping-cheng off the hook? Media figure reveals “feud between 2 KMT heavyweights”: Changhua election outlook is not optimistic

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:02:02+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158205
- anchor: #n2118329

It has been suggested that a feud between KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun and New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi lies behind Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huimei’s refusal to support fellow party candidate Wei Ping-zheng. The election outlook is challenging for the KMT.

## 500 local residents back Lee Chuan at Zhonghe forum; he pledges full support for urban renewal and MRT construction

- Published: 2026-08-20T19:57:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11158232
- anchor: #n2118348

New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Chuan held a forum in Zhonghe, winning support from 500 local residents and more than 40 borough chiefs. He announced plans to promote “Urban Renewal 5 Strong” and extend the MRT Zhonghe-Guangfu Line, improving housing safety and transport.

## Are Switch 2 sales stalling? U.S. sales halve as console market sees its worst July since the pandemic

- Published: 2026-08-21T02:00:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6583006
- anchor: #n2122984
- Companies mentioned: 任天堂、Sony、Microsoft

任天堂 Switch 2 sales in the U.S. in July were down by half from a year earlier, while the overall video game console market slumped. High component costs and a shortage of new releases were factors.

## Bessent saved $200 million but may have created a bigger risk? Wall Street warns U.S. debt costs could rise further

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:30:09+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6583005
- anchor: #n2122985
- Companies mentioned: 摩根大通、Jefferies、PGIM

The U.S. Treasury expanded its buybacks of long-term bonds without warning, temporarily restraining borrowing costs. But the move undermined policy predictability, raising the risk of higher borrowing costs over the long term.

## U.S. initial jobless claims fall to 20.6万 last week, giving Fed more reason to stand pat next month

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:00:11+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6582984
- anchor: #n2118390
- Companies mentioned: Federal Reserve (Fed)、U.S. Department of Labor

Initial U.S. jobless claims fell to 206,000 last week, below market expectations. This indicates that the labor market remains solid and gives the Federal Reserve grounds to hold off on raising interest rates in September.

## $4 billion is not enough! Bessent hints at expanding Treasury buybacks again

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:39:50+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6583037
- anchor: #n2118391

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent suggested that buybacks of long-term bonds could be increased to more than $4 billion. The move is intended to address deteriorating market liquidity and rising yields, while emphasizing the economy’s underlying strength.

## 〈Earnings〉Raises full-year forecast but still takes a hit! Walmart Q2 comparable-store sales growth slowest in more than 6 years; shares plunge 9%

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:30:08+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6582848
- anchor: #n2118392

U.S. retail giant Walmart reported Q2 sales and earnings that beat expectations, but U.S. same-store sales growth slowed to its lowest level in 6 years, shaking market confidence. Its shares plunged more than 9%.

## Major new investment in AI memory! Micron to spend $10 billion on research center

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:00:10+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6583007
- anchor: #n2118263
- Companies mentioned: Samsung Electronics、SK Hynix、NVIDIA、Apple、Applied Materials、Lam Research

U.S. memory chip giant Micron announced that it will invest $10 billion over the next 10 years to establish “Micron Research Labs” in Boise, Idaho. The facility will be the first dedicated memory technology research center in the United States, with the aim of strengthening semiconductor competitiveness in the AI era.

## Bloomberg: Meta uses trillions of tokens every week, quietly becoming a major Microsoft AI customer

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:51:13+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6583024
- anchor: #n2118264
- Companies mentioned: Meta Platforms、Microsoft、OpenAI、Adobe、Perplexity、Sierra

Meta is using Microsoft Azure to run AI workloads of several trillion tokens every week. The concentration of AI demand has become apparent, raising concerns about its impact on the industry’s structure.

## Startups eye Beitou-Shilin Science Park? Premier Cho directs National Science Council to study TTA base to vie for AI and next-generation communications

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:45:28+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6582991
- anchor: #n2118265

Premier Cho Jung-tai directed the National Science Council to study establishing a new TTA base in Beitou-Shilin Science Park to expand space for startups and strengthen AI and next-generation communications development, as the existing TTA is nearing capacity.

## Weekday lodging subsidy of up to 3700 per person; Tourism Administration says program starts 9/1 to boost domestic travel

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:44:25+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6582942
- anchor: #n2118266

The Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications will launch weekday accommodation subsidies starting September 1 to boost domestic travel and stimulate the economy. It will also offer discounts of up to NT$3,700 and roll out measures to attract international tourists.

## Investigation into NVIDIA server transshipment case released! Super Micro says senior executives were unaware; shares briefly surge nearly 6%

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:30:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6582995
- anchor: #n2118267
- Companies mentioned: 輝達 (NVIDIA)、米超微 (Super Micro Computer, Inc.)

U.S. server company Super Micro Computer (SMCI) launched an independent investigation into allegations that servers equipped with NVIDIA AI chips were illegally diverted to China. The company said executives were not involved and dismissed some employees. Its shares rose as much as 6% after the announcement.

## Inflation concerns persist; most European stocks close lower

- Published: 2026-08-21T02:15:11+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202608210004.aspx
- anchor: #n2123105
- 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 rose 4.81 points, or 0.04%
- Closed at 10748.16 points
- 法蘭克福DAX指數 fell 108.29 points, or 0.41%
- Closed at 25983.04 points
- 巴黎CAC 40指數 fell 48.82 points, or 0.57%
- Closed at 8453.09 points

## Washington to impose its harshest-ever sanctions on Iran; U.S. Treasury secretary urges China to cooperate

- Published: 2026-08-21T02:14:09+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202608210003.aspx
- anchor: #n2123104
- Companies mentioned: CNBC、Kpler

## 趙建銘返台不受訪 提供文件稱2人協議違反保密賠1億

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:50:06+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202608210002.aspx
- anchor: #n2122983
- Companies mentioned: 越南航空

Facts:
- Punitive damages of 一億元

## Supreme Administrative Court revokes coastal-use permit for 三接; 內政部: deeply surprised

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:46:59+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202608200349.aspx
- anchor: #n2118389
- Companies mentioned: 內政部、中油

Facts:
- An area of 95.4 hectares

## 華盛頓號 aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East after 美林肯號 carrier faces criticism over its prolonged deployment

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:34:56+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202608200348.aspx
- anchor: #n2118387
- Companies mentioned: 美林肯號、華盛頓號、美軍中央司令部、法新社、川普

Facts:
- The Lincoln (USS Abraham Lincoln) has been deployed at sea for more than 250 days
- and has gone more than 200 days without a port call

## 金管會 unveils priority bills for the new session, pushes REITs amendments

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:53:51+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202608200347.aspx
- anchor: #n2118261
- Companies mentioned: 金管會、立法院、REITs

Facts:
- Current amount: NT$3 million
- NT$15 million

## Russian strikes on Kyiv cause civilian casualties; 歐盟 pledges to help strengthen air defense capabilities

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:49:49+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202608200346.aspx
- anchor: #n2118262
- Companies mentioned: 歐盟、俄羅斯、烏克蘭、美國

Facts:
- At least 16 people killed
- 90 billion euros
- 8.5 billion euros
- About NT$3.35 trillion

## 高校生軽音グランプリ2026夏: The winners are 飛鳥未来高等学校 and N高等学校’s 「ほわほわ」; a thrilling live stage that had tens of thousands cheering

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:02:16+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000016.000159287.html
- anchor: #n2118510
- Companies mentioned: 高校生軽音グランプリ、飛鳥未来高等学校、N高等学校、ほわほわ、atagi、ゆゆうた、オカモトコウキ、Zepp Shinjuku、おとラジ 3rd LIVE、高校生軽音グランプリ音楽祭2026、Spotify O-EAST、高校生弾き語りグランプリ2026、Awesome City Club、MOROHA、OKAMOTO'S、MUSIQA、MĀRAJAQK、Mume!少女、ペタ、伽乱堂、俺らの出会いはハンバーガー、紅蓮華、草野華余子、おとラジYouTube、おとなりラジオ

Facts:
- A large live music venue with a capacity of 1300 people
- December 23, 2026
- March 25, 2027
- The following day, Aug. 21
- 16:00〜
- To be held on Oct. 17
- From July 22 to Sept. 23, 2026

## QPS-SAR18号機「スサノオ-Ⅱ」 was launched on Aug. 20, 2026 (Japan time), and successfully made its first contact

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:38:31+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000118.000049970.html
- anchor: #n2118388
- Companies mentioned: QPS研究所、Rocket Lab

Facts:
- The satellite was successfully separated about 50 minutes after liftoff.
- The first contact with 「スサノオ-Ⅱ」 was successfully made about 40 minutes after separation
- More than 200 satellites placed into orbit
- 24 satellites by the end of May 2028
- 46 cm resolution
- Founded in Fukuoka in 2005

## COZOY unveils the D2, featuring 2 Dynamic Drivers with different diaphragms and a design inspired by marble

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000064.000050134.html
- anchor: #n2118386
- Companies mentioned: COZOY、Ouyue Audio Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.、株式会社伊藤屋国際

Facts:
- 2 dynamic drivers, measuring 10mm and 6mm
- 20-20,000Hz
- 20Ω
- 102dB
- About 1.2m
- 11,800 yen (tax included)

## [Available today] Sizzling works to beat the heat!! The latest issue of the BL magazine iHZ［アイハーツ］│大洋図書

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000371.000118288.html
- anchor: #n2118385
- Companies mentioned: iHZ［アイハーツ］、大洋図書、b's-garden

Facts:
- iHZ [アイハーツ] 18
- August 21, 2026

## New releases to watch!｜Electronic-only novel versions inspired by hugely popular comics, 『帝王の生誕祭 αの花嫁』 and 『Desire Ωの花燭』, are out now! Novel by 岩本 薫; illustrations by 幸村佳苗

- Published: 2026-08-21T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000373.000118288.html
- anchor: #n2118384
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社大洋図書、ihr HertZ

Facts:
- 共鳴恋情シリーズ『αの花嫁』全４巻
- 共鳴恋情シリーズ『Ωの花燭』現在、ihr HertZ にて大人気連載中！ Ωの花燭 共鳴恋情１中！Ωの花燭 共鳴恋情２

## [Full footage now available] 『クラプトン・フェスティヴァル』: The second installment, 「エリック・クラプトン：セッションズ・フォー・ロバート・ジョンソン２００４」, opens Friday, 8/21! “Tears in Heaven,” a classic song from the third installment, is now available

- Published: 2026-08-20T23:57:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000023.000131284.html
- anchor: #n2118323
- Companies mentioned: マリブ株式会社、エリック・クラプトン、スティーヴ・ウィンウッド、ロバート・ジョンソン、マーティン・アトキンス、ウィリー・ウィークス、イアン・トーマス、クリス・ステイントン、スペンサー・デイヴィス・グループ、トラフィック、ブラインド・フェイス、ジミ・ヘンドリックス、レイ・チャールズ、J.J. ケイル、スティーブン・ノムラ・シブル、ドイル・ブラムホール二世、ネイザン・イースト、スティーヴ・ガッド、ビリー・プレストン、ダニー・オブライエン、アンディ・フェアウェザー・ロウ、グレッグ・フィリンゲインズ、デヴィッド・サンシャス、REPRISE RECORDS INC.

Facts:
- Taking place over 3 weeks
- 8/２１（金）からは「エリック・クラプトン：セッションズ・フォー・ロバート・ジョンソン２００４」が公開される
- The third installment, opening Friday, Aug. ２８
- 140 minutes
- 97 minutes
- 130 minutes
- Feb. 25/2, 2008

## Donated breast milk, a guardian of babies’ health? Exploring the role of human milk banks in maternal and infant health

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:01:25+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 照護線上
- Original: https://www.careonline.com.tw/2026/08/202608210000.html
- anchor: #n2118511

## August 21: Behind good times lie countless hardships - Heho健康

- Published: 2026-08-21T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | Heho健康
- Original: https://heho.com.tw/archives/384536
- anchor: #n2118561
- Companies mentioned: Heho