AI News 180m Report

2026-09-04 00:00–03:00 JST

47 received, 47 listed, 6 sources

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 33 items from 5 sources; Japan, 14 items from 1 source.

One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

Taiwan | 風傳媒（19）

SEMICON Taiwan 2026》GAA pushes material demand to 1.4 times! Merck: demand could reach 1.8 times with next-generation architectures, while AI can cut screening time by up to half

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

As AI chips become more widespread, demand for semiconductor materials is surging. Merck says the shift to GAA structures will increase materials demand by 1.4 times, rising to 1.8 times for more complex structures. It is also using AI to make materials development more efficient.

Original

SEMICON Taiwan 2026》Merck shifts semiconductor talent east to Asia! Thin Films chief to be based in Taiwan next month; 賀天銘: Taiwan R&D investment will only increase

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Germany’s Merck is moving decision-making authority for its semiconductor materials business to Asia. Han Bing, head of its thin-film division, will relocate to Taiwan next month to strengthen technology development and customer collaboration.

Original

SEMICON Taiwan 2026》SEMI joins forces with Silicon Catalyst! Connecting more than 4,000 members and supporting more than 150 semiconductor startups

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

SEMI and Silicon Catalyst announced a global strategic partnership to strengthen support for semiconductor startups. Starting in Taiwan, they aim to build an ecosystem leveraging a member network of more than 4,000 companies.

Companies mentioned：Silicon Catalyst、聯電（UMC）

Original

Bai Lu and 丞磊’s 《莫離》 loses! The champion of the 2026 summer season’s top 10 mainland Chinese dramas is revealed: more than 1.7 billion views, surpassing 《百花殺》, with rave reviews making it addictive from the first episode

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

The broadcast-volume ranking for summer 2026 dramas was released, with 《九門》, starring Chen Weiting, topping the list with 1.723 billion views. 《莫離》, starring Bai Lu and Cheng Lei, ranked second with 908 million views, while 《南部檔案》, starring Zhang Xincheng and Ding Yuxi, placed third with 852 million views. The analysis examines the factors behind each drama’s popularity and audience reactions.

Companies mentioned：淘票票、燈塔專業版

Original

SEMICON Taiwan 2026》The shift from optical to copper will happen gradually! Topco Scientific’s CPO microlens wafer capacity could reach 10,000 wafers per month

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Topco Scientific is partnering with Japan’s SCIVAX to prepare for mass production of co-packaged optics (CPO) microlenses, with monthly capacity reaching 10,000 wafers, to meet AI data centers’ demand for high-performance optical interconnects. The move highlights Taiwanese companies’ push into advanced packaging and optical components.

Companies mentioned：SCIVAX、信越化學

Original

SEMICON Taiwan 2026》AI orders are so strong that supply can’t keep up! Topco Scientific: Business will improve quarter by quarter, with momentum continuing next year and the year after

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Topco Scientific Chairman 曾海華 said at SEMICON Taiwan 2026 that strong AI demand has pushed orders beyond supply capacity. He expects business to improve quarter by quarter and is optimistic about prospects for 2027–2028.

Companies mentioned：台積電

Original

Did 蔣萬安’s son call his parents for supplies during the “Scout entrance exam”? Taipei Scout Association reveals the truth: the test is the toughest in Taiwan

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

The son of Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has drawn attention after receiving supplies from his parents during a Scout advancement exam. The Taipei City Scouts Council said it provided the same support to everyone, stressing the rigor and fairness of the exam.

Original

Does holding a Taiwan Compatriot Permit make someone a “Chinese citizen” and lead to the loss of Taiwanese status? 1千萬 Taiwanese permit holders are alarmed! 梁文傑 responds in person

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

The possibility that holders of Taiwan Compatriot Permits could be considered Chinese citizens has raised concerns over cross-strait identity recognition. Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh addressed the issue, stressing that there is currently no impact on their Taiwanese identity.

Original

TISA anniversary》Media ask how the public can be urged to invest when fund performance is unimpressive; Financial Supervisory Commission: risk must also be considered

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

The Financial Supervisory Commission announced the results of the TISA program’s first year. It had more than 240,000 accounts and subscriptions exceeding 7.6 billion yen. In response to media criticism of its “poor performance,” it said it prioritizes risk management.

Companies mentioned：臺灣集保結算所、基富通

Original

Does a high ETF payout mean big profits? Experts reveal the key to recovering after ex-dividend dates; many active ETFs have bought it

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Taiwan’s actively managed ETF “00406A” gained popularity for its high dividend yield but moved into unrealized losses after going ex-dividend. Experts warned that “high dividends do not equal profits,” and said the performance of its holdings is key to recovering the dividend drop.

Companies mentioned：啟發證券投資顧問

Original

卓榮泰 to visit the Taichung power plant tomorrow; 盧秀燕 makes 2 demands: When will coal-fired units be dismantled? How much more can coal use be cut?

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Before Premier 卓榮泰’s inspection of the Taichung power plant, Taichung Mayor 盧秀燕 publicly urged the central government to honor its “add gas, remove coal” pledge by clearly announcing a timetable for dismantling coal-fired units and how much coal use can be reduced, highlighting the gap between local and central governments over the energy transition.

Original

Could new mainland China exit-entry rules taking effect in September leave travelers unable to return? 梁文傑: The Chinese Communist Party could question people over any lawful conduct; Taiwanese travelers to mainland China do face risks

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Mainland China will implement new immigration control rules on September 15. Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh warned that risks for Taiwanese travelers will rise and that even lawful conduct in Taiwan could become subject to questioning.

Original

Why is 陳世凱 focused on motorcyclists? The Transportation Ministry promotes motorcycle inspections as 時力 identifies startling figures in fatal crashes nationwide

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

As the Ministry of Transportation and Communications promotes a free motorcycle inspection campaign, the New Power Party has questioned the policy’s direction, saying it does not address the causes of accidents. It called for a review of road design and road rights.

Original

Who sprinkled autumn’s sugar dust across Taipei’s “Heavenly Road”? The bald cypress trees on Xinsheng South Road turned white overnight, so beautiful that visitors hate to leave

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

The white cheesewood trees on Taipei’s Xinsheng South Road are in full bloom in autumn, drawing attention to the street as “Heaven’s Road.” The parks and green spaces management department introduced their ecological and cultural background.

Original

War erupts again in the Middle East! Brent crude surges past $97; could international oil prices return to $100?

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Iran’s attacks on U.S.-linked facilities in the Middle East heightened geopolitical tensions, pushing Brent crude above $97. Uncertainty is spreading through energy markets.

Original

Controversy over the top-ranked 194 million in media publicity spending! National Police Agency says it is not image-building; all funds go to frontline anti-fraud and anti-drug efforts

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Taiwan’s National Police Agency budgeted 194 million yuan for media publicity, the most among government agencies, drawing attention in the Legislative Yuan. The agency said all the funds would go to frontline anti-fraud and anti-drug efforts, not image-building, and stressed that the spending responds to practical crime-prevention needs. The budget concerns the public’s lives and property and has significant public interest.

Original

30 bottleneck roads still need fixing! 梁育慈 unveils a “key arteries of transportation” platform, pledging to connect all the dead-end roads in Pingtung City upon taking office

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Pingtung mayoral candidate Liang Yu-ci pledged to resolve more than 30 unconnected bottleneck roads in the city. She promised to establish a task force and respond immediately to improve urban transport and development.

Original

蘇巧慧 pushes for a second national sports center in Xinzhuang, joins 李洋 to propose “sweat dividends” and build a more active New Taipei

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui is pushing for construction of the Xinzhuang Second National Sports Center and has proposed a “Sweat Dividend” policy. It would encourage residents to exercise by offering incentives such as credits toward transportation and consumer spending. The aim is to improve sports facilities and promote exercise for all.

Companies mentioned：運動部、新北市政府

Original

The “Fengshan Captain” is on the move! 李雅靜 registers to run for 五 consecutive terms as women borough chiefs rally behind her pledge to “defend public safety and protect education”

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒

Kaohsiung City Councilor 李雅靜 registered to run for a 第五 term as a councilor. Embracing the image of the “Fengshan Captain,” she emphasized public safety and education and won the support of several women borough chiefs, demonstrating grassroots momentum.

Original

Japan | PR TIMES（14）

KONAMI announces Rhapsody in Scarlet, an all-new action game!

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • New York in the 1920s
  • Players: 1

Companies mentioned：KONAMI、SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS、エミ・マイヤー

Original

AR smart binoculars “ENVISION” open for preorders in Japan — guaranteed delivery before Christmas

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

UNISTELLAR opened preorders in Japan for ENVISION, the world’s first AR smart binoculars, on September 4, 2026. Available in limited quantities with guaranteed delivery before Christmas.

Companies mentioned：NASA、SETI研究所、株式会社ニコン

Original

The new deck-building roguelike card game PROJECT ZIRCON opens for Steam® wishlisting today! A campaign offering a chance to win a T-shirt by wishlisting and reposting also begins!

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 10 winners selected by lottery
  • Friday, September 4, 2026
  • Until 23:59 on September 30, 2026
  • Around October 5, 2026
  • September 18, 2026, at 19:00

Companies mentioned：株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント、Steam®、X、PROJECT ZIRCON、ルーネ・サロワ、服部昇大

Original

The world is falling apart in the name of justice. Rev. NOiR set for release in 2027; 2 new trailers showcase the story of young people carrying a mission and a variety of battle scenes

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • Announced for release in 2027

Companies mentioned：株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント、KONAMI

Original

Latest news announced on KONAMI’s official information program, “KONAMI PRESS START”!

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • SILENT HILL: Townfall (scheduled for release on September 24)
  • Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (scheduled for release on October 15)
  • RPG Rev. NOiR (scheduled for release in 2027)
  • Original『プロ野球スピリッツ2026』は初の30％オフ！
  • Original『がんばれゴエモン大集合！』は初の20％オフ！！
  • SILENT HILL 2 is 60% off!
  • Original『SILENT HILL f』と『幻想水滸伝 I&II HDリマスター 門の紋章戦争 / デュナン統一戦争』が50%オフ！
  • Original「SILENT HILL f & SILENT HILL 2 デラックスデュアルパック」は45%オフ！
  • eFootball™ Kick-Off! is 25% off!
  • METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol.1 is 40% off!

Companies mentioned：KONAMI、株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント、Steam、PlayStation、XBOX、ニンテンドーeショップ

Original

Final Fantasy VII Revelation set for release on April 8, 2027! The series trilogy finally reaches its conclusion

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • Release date: April 8, 2027
  • Suggested retail price: Standard Edition (physical/download): 9,900 yen (tax included)
  • More than 15.7 million copies sold worldwide cumulatively※

Companies mentioned：株式会社スクウェア・エニックス、PlayStation、Nintendo Switch、XBOX、Steam、Epic Games Store

Original

Cygames launches new game brand CygamesEdge, announces first title 崩落の国 and sets its release for November 5, 2026

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • The main story takes approximately 3 hours to play for the first time

Companies mentioned：Cygames、CygamesEdge、株式会社ゼレオ、Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC、Nintendo、Valve Corporation

Original

Not a certification for people who can use AI, but one that demonstrates the ability to implement AI and achieve results; evaluation criteria for the Level 1 exam released

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • For approximately 100 people
  • Exam duration: 60 minutes

Companies mentioned：IoT検定制度委員会 FDE検定プロジェクト、スキルの窓口、株式会社サートプロ

Original

German producer Shuko will release new single “Anthracity” with rising singer Laureen Mobo on September 4, 2026

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • Has led the European hip-hop/soul scene for more than 20 years

Companies mentioned：Shuko、Laureen Mobo、For The Love Of It、Hochschule für Musik Mainz、SWEET SOUL RECORDS

Original

Give your room a makeover in your own colors. New release: Free Coat Matte Selection, a water-based all-purpose paint designed for interiors, available in a 144-color palette!

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 144-color palette
  • Sales begin on September 4, 2026

Companies mentioned：アトムサポート株式会社、アトミクス株式会社、アトムハウスペイント、アトム化学塗料株式会社

Original

キールズ’ 3-day takeover turning Shibuya into a “3D dewy glow” begins today! An immersive pop-up where visitors can “dive into” the new “3D dewy glow serum’s” bouncy texture opens on September 4

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • For 3 days, from September 4 (Fri.) to September 6 (Sun.)
  • Sample of the “3D Plump-and-Dewy Serum” (1.5mL)
  • ・3D dewy glow serum, 30 mL: 6,930 yen (tax included)
  • ・3D dewy glow serum, 50 mL: 10,450 yen (tax included)
  • Spend 15,400 yen (tax included) or more on products, including the 3D dewy glow serum

Companies mentioned：キールズ、Kiehl's、日本ロレアル株式会社

Original

MSI releases MAESTRO 500 WIRELESS IVORY wireless headset with support for 2 noise-canceling technologies

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • Battery supports up to 90 hours of continuous use
  • On sale from 0:00 on September 4, 2026

Companies mentioned：MSI、エムエスアイコンピュータージャパン株式会社

Original

OriginalTVアニメ「らんま1/2」第3期 “らんま愛”あふれる霜降り明星・せいやさんが宣伝アンバサダーに就任！ アニメ本編にゲスト出演決定！ せいやさんからはコメントも到着！

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • As of August 2024, worldwide cumulative circulation of Takahashi-sensei’s works had exceeded 230 million copies.
  • ¥3,000 per session (tax included)

Companies mentioned：霜降り明星、せいや、高橋留美子、小学館、吉本興業、日本テレビ、Netflix、MAPPA、小学館集英社プロダクション、ユナイテッド・シネマ、アクアシティお台場、dugout

Original

Amateur big band ZAMAビッグバンドジャズオーケストラ, celebrating 29 years and walking alongside the local community, to hold its 27th annual concert; tickets on sale now!

Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • All seats reserved: 1,500 yen (tax included)
  • 29 years since formation
  • 27th annual concert

Companies mentioned：ZAMAビッグバンドジャズオーケストラ、ロングランプランニング株式会社、カンフェティ

Original

Taiwan | 鉅亨網（6）

Not playing along with the U.S.’s sky-high demands! Carney: We won’t sacrifice the auto, steel or aluminum industries; talks can begin when the U.S. is ready

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

Canadian Prime Minister Carney declared his resistance to high-pressure trade demands from the United States, making clear that protecting the auto, steel and aluminum industries is his top priority.

Original

Fearing borrowing will get more expensive, U.S. companies rush to issue bonds; September volume could reach $250 billion

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

U.S. investment-grade companies are accelerating fundraising ahead of rising interest rates, with corporate bond issuance expected to reach $250 billion in September. AI investment in the tech industry is the main driver.

Companies mentioned：Columbia Threadneedle Investments、Mizuho Americas、Bloomberg、Bank of America

Original

AI faces a knockoff crisis too! Anthropic names Chinese firms including 月之暗面 and DeepSeek, accusing them of “learning from” Claude

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

U.S. AI company Anthropic said Chinese AI companies are using illicit methods to distill its Claude models and develop competing products. The theft of technology has become a national-level risk.

Companies mentioned：Anthropic、月之暗面、DeepSeek、MiniMax、阿里巴巴、OpenAI、Google、Alphabet

Original

Trouble for the Fed! U.S. services sector expands faster in August as price gauge hits a 4-year high

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

The U.S. services sector accelerated its expansion in August, with the nonmanufacturing index at 55.4, its highest level since February. Meanwhile, input costs reached a 4-year high, presenting the Federal Reserve with the policy challenge of balancing inflation against a weak labor market.

Companies mentioned：ISM（米国供応管理協会）、S&P Global（標普全球）、Fed（連邦準備制度理事会）

Original

U.S. initial jobless claims edged up to 206,000 last week; labor market shows no clear deterioration

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

Initial U.S. jobless claims last week edged up to 206,000 but remained low. The labor market continues to see “low hiring and low firing,” suggesting the economy is weakening.

Companies mentioned：Challenger, Gray & Christmas、Federal Reserve (Fed)

Original

India reportedly plans to remove and replace Chinese telecom equipment; bill could reach $3 billion

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網

The Indian government is considering removing and replacing Chinese-made equipment from telecommunications networks on national security grounds. Major telecom operators would be affected, with costs estimated at up to $3 billion.

Companies mentioned：Reliance Jio、Bharti Airtel、Vodafone Idea、BSNL、Huawei、ZTE

Original

Taiwan | 環球生技月刊（4）

佳世達 (2352) 115年8月 consolidated revenue was 18.813 billion yuan, up 11.82% year over year - 環球生技月刊

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊

Summary not yet available

Companies mentioned：佳世達

Original

安盛生 (6734) approved the cancellation of its 115年 cash capital increase plan - 環球生技月刊

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 115年 cash capital increase plan

Companies mentioned：安盛生、興櫃公司

Original

美時 (1795) completed registration of the capital reduction change for restricted employee shares that were canceled and repurchased - 環球生技月刊

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • Original1795美時公司

Companies mentioned：美時、美時公司

Original

國邑* (6875) to present the design of a global Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial of inhaled new drug L606 for PH-ILD treatment at the ERS 2026 annual meeting - 環球生技月刊

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 2026 European Respiratory Society Annual Congress (ERS2026)

Companies mentioned：國邑*

Original

Taiwan | 中央社 CNA（3）

AI boom widens U.S. trade deficit in July; deficit with Taiwan hits record high

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • U.S. trade deficit widens in July to its highest level since March 2025
  • U.S. monthly trade deficit with Taiwan surges to $20.7 billion
  • U.S. trade deficit widens in July to $88.6 billion
  • Up 24.4% from the previous month
  • U.S. exports fell 2.1% in July to $310.7 billion
  • Imports grew 2.8% to $399.3 billion, driven by computers, computer components and semiconductors
  • Original美國對晶片製造重鎮台灣的單月貿易逆差，則達到創紀錄的207億美元

Companies mentioned：美國政府、美國總統川普、美國商務部、美國供應管理協會、美國最高法院、中國、歐洲聯盟、台灣、加拿大、伊朗、荷莫茲海峽、CNBC

Original

European shares close higher as falling government bond yields provide a boost

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 倫敦FTSE 100指數 rose 75.07 points, or 0.70%, to close at 10831.52 points.
  • 法蘭克福DAX指數 rose 163.99 points, or 0.63%, to close at 26003.32 points.
  • 巴黎CAC 40指數 edged up 5.77 points, or 0.07%, to close at 8286.40 points.

Companies mentioned：倫敦FTSE 100指數、法蘭克福DAX指數、巴黎CAC 40指數

Original

五熊, who damaged a Japanese national treasure, have been released and apologized in a post to both Taiwan and Japan

Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA

Summary not yet available

Facts

  • 500,000 yen
  • About NT$100,000

Companies mentioned：蔡宜臻、五熊、日本放送協會、NHK、奈良藥師寺、藥師寺、中央社

Original

Taiwan | Heho健康（1）

Health Calendar | No one says a flower has to grow into a sunflower or a rose - Heho健康

Published ・ Source Taiwan | Heho健康

Summary not yet available

Companies mentioned：Heho健康

Original

Other formats：JSONMarkdownRSS