# AI News 180m Report｜2026-09-16 00:00–03:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 25 items from 4 sources; Japan, 7 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## Why are towels always given out at funerals? It’s not just for wiping away tears—this Taiwanese custom is surprisingly linked to the Japanese colonial era

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:30:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11163278
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999614-en.html
- anchor: #n2765278

The towels handed out at funerals in Taiwan are not merely practical items; they stem from a traditional courtesy known as “答紙,” which expresses gratitude to attendees. Its origins are said to date back to the Japanese colonial period, although it may not have been directly influenced by Japan.

## 不只《蘭香如故》好看！譚松韻最強陸劇TOP10冠軍是它：評價力壓《錦衣之下》、經典神劇難超越

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11164804
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999596-en.html
- anchor: #n2760586
- Companies mentioned: 豆瓣

The drama 《蘭香如故》 starring Tan Songyun has attracted attention, prompting a ranking of her past signature works by 豆瓣 ratings. The top 10 include 《最好的我們》 and 《錦衣之下》, with the characteristics and reception of each work analyzed.

## How should novice investors buy ETFs? Financial writer reveals “this is a safe pick”: The choice depends on your risk tolerance

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:21:21+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164864
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999576-en.html
- anchor: #n2760587
- Companies mentioned: 元大投信、國泰投信

Financial writer “巴肥特財務長” has published the new book 《ETF，然後呢？好險，我們有小白財務長》, guiding novice investors in building a personalized investment framework and emphasizing that risk tolerance is key to choosing an ETF.

## “Shovel heroes” helping with disaster relief have no accident medical coverage? Financial regulator launches group insurance, sparking debate over the fact they already have national health insurance

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:45+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164867
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999582-en.html
- anchor: #n2760588
- Companies mentioned: 凱基人壽、全球人壽、三商美邦人壽、新光人壽、富邦人壽、國泰人壽、台灣人壽、南山人壽、和泰產險、明台產險、泰安產險、華南產險、中央再保

The Financial Supervisory Commission coordinated with 16 insurers to launch “Shovel Hero Insurance,” offering NT$1 million each in disability and death coverage for disaster-relief volunteers, but excluding accident medical coverage, prompting questions about its charitable nature.

## Is Taiwan’s stock market in for trouble? Super central bank week and U.S. triple witching day are coming. Investment advisory manager says not to worry: Headwinds may ease this month

- Published: 2026-09-15T23:38:34+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164850
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999521-en.html
- anchor: #n2760457
- Companies mentioned: 元大投顧、漢測、風傳媒

Lin Weichen of 元大投顧 predicts that headwinds for Taiwan stocks will ease in the second half of this month and funds will return. He said investors need not be excessively pessimistic despite the Super Base interest rate decision week and the U.S. “triple witching” day ahead.

## Is there more behind the AI big 3 hitting the brakes? Investment advisory manager reveals “something big is happening in the U.S.”: They need to give voters an answer

- Published: 2026-09-15T23:28:36+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164848
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999524-en.html
- anchor: #n2760458
- Companies mentioned: Anthropic、OpenAI、xAI、Amazon、Alphabet、Microsoft、Meta、元大投顧

The three AI giants Anthropic, OpenAI and xAI have called for a slowdown in AI development, but this is likely a political gesture aimed at the U.S. midterm elections. Investment is continuing in practice, and the impact on the market is limited.

## Breaking: Chen Chien-chou, known as “Blackie,” reportedly suffers acute myocardial infarction! Rushed to NTU Hospital for emergency surgery; PLG confirms latest condition: recovering well after surgery

- Published: 2026-09-15T23:05:41+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/lifestyle/11164863
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999527-en.html
- anchor: #n2760459
- Companies mentioned: P. LEAGUE+、台北富邦勇士、KBL首爾SK騎士、東亞超級聯賽

P. LEAGUE+ Vice Chairman Chen Chien-chou underwent emergency surgery for an acute myocardial infarction, but is now recovering. He is a central figure in Taiwanese basketball, and his health has drawn attention both inside and outside the industry.

## MRT transfers raised during general questioning; Hou Youyi: We will work to improve routes

- Published: 2026-09-15T21:07:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164868
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999585-en.html
- anchor: #n2760608

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Youyi responded to questions on municipal matters including transportation, healthcare and policing at the city council’s general questioning session. He stressed improving MRT routes and public services to enhance residents’ quality of life.

## Sanchong Municipal Building to open by year-end! Hou Youyi: Building a smart hub to strengthen urban resilience

- Published: 2026-09-15T19:30:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 風傳媒
- Original: https://www.storm.mg/article/11164865
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999530-en.html
- anchor: #n2760492

The summary of this item is not shown

## Wall Street’s biggest fear isn’t an AI bubble: Disorderly surge in Treasury yields becomes top risk

- Published: 2026-09-16T02:00:06+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607298
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999611-en.html
- anchor: #n2765217
- Companies mentioned: アメリカン・エキスプレス、フェデラル・リザーブ（FRB）、米財務省

The “disorderly rise” in U.S. Treasury yields is seen as a more serious tail risk than an AI bubble, prompting global asset managers to step up their vigilance. Inflation, fiscal deficits and increased bond supply stemming from AI investment are behind the concern.

## Setting competition aside! OpenAI joins forces with Anthropic and Google to guard against catastrophic AI risks

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:30:12+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607342
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999608-en.html
- anchor: #n2765218
- Companies mentioned: Anthropic、Google DeepMind、Alphabet、OpenAI、SpaceX

OpenAI is working with competitors Anthropic and Google DeepMind to discuss safeguards against catastrophic AI risks. This reflects growing safety awareness across the industry and includes a willingness to cooperate with regulators.

## Spread between near-term crude prices widens! Supply tightness warning grows as Brent crude could reach $125

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:00:13+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6606408
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999567-en.html
- anchor: #n2760525
- Companies mentioned: SPI Asset Management、LPL Financial

The gap between near-month and futures crude prices is widening, highlighting tight immediate supply. Geopolitical risks in the Middle East are the main cause, and Brent crude could rise to $125.

## Treasury yields surge to near 20-year high! Bessent blames “global problems”; meets He Lifeng to discuss Iran ahead of Trump-Xi meeting

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:30:06+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607341
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999573-en.html
- anchor: #n2760526

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent described the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields as a “global problem” and met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng over the weekend to discuss sanctions on Iran. As preparations proceed for the U.S.-China leaders’ meeting on September 24, turmoil in the bond market has also become a political challenge.

## Progress reported ahead of Trump-Xi meeting: U.S. and China discuss cutting tariffs on agricultural products and energy

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:30:04+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607324
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999570-en.html
- anchor: #n2760527
- Companies mentioned: 中糧集団（COFCO）、輝達（NVIDIA）、テスラ（Tesla）

The U.S. and China have made progress toward an agreement to lower tariffs on agricultural products and energy. The prospects of extending a trade truce at the leaders’ meeting have improved. Agriculture is at the center of the negotiations.

## “One hike and then a pause” is out of the question! More than half of experts expect the Fed to raise rates at least 2 times in the coming year

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:05+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607135
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999508-en.html
- anchor: #n2760397
- Companies mentioned: Renaissance Macro Research、Nationwide、Russell Investments、Janney Montgomery Scott

CNBCの最新調査で、連邦準備制度（Fed）が今後1年間で少なくとも2回利上げを行うとの見方が多数派となった。インフレ鈍化の遅れや原油価格上昇、およびチェアパーソン・ワレスのタカ派発言が背景にある。

## War turmoil turns into a business opportunity! UAE oil giant snaps up Iraqi crude at low prices

- Published: 2026-09-15T23:30:03+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607251
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999505-en.html
- anchor: #n2760398
- Companies mentioned: ADNOC、SOMO、中国石油、振華石油、道達爾能源、Vitol、Trafigura、Mercuria、國泰石油

The United Arab Emirates’ state oil company ADNOC has taken advantage of supply concerns stemming from the situation in Iran to buy tens of millions of barrels of Iraqi crude at steep discounts. It is strengthening its presence in the international market.

## Will SpaceX and Tesla merge? Musk’s remark reignites speculation

- Published: 2026-09-15T23:17:15+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 鉅亨網
- Original: https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/6607302
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999502-en.html
- anchor: #n2760399
- Companies mentioned: Tesla、SpaceX、xAI、Cursor

イーロン・マスクが、テスラとスペースXの統合を示唆し、両社の緊密な協力関係が市場で注目されている。共同プロジェクトやAI統合が背景にある。

## European stocks close lower as markets await Fed rate decision

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:39:42+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202609160003.aspx
- anchor: #n2760738
- Companies mentioned: 美國聯邦準備理事會、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 fell 39.44 points, or 0.37%
- Closed at 10658.13 points
- 法蘭克福DAX指數 fell 38.53 points, or 0.15%
- Closed at 25402.28 points
- 巴黎CAC 40指數 dropped 27.50 points, or 0.34%
- Closed at 8090.28 points

## Yemen civil war worsens; 聯合國: More than 100,000 people displaced

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:00:35+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202609160002.aspx
- anchor: #n2760646
- Companies mentioned: 聯合國、聯合國難民事務高級專員公署、法新社、吉布地、索馬利亞、衣索比亞

Facts:
- More than 100,000 people
- More than 2,400 people
- More than 65,000 refugees

## 彭博: U.S. and China discuss cutting tariffs on some goods; trade truce could be extended

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:48:41+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202609153006.aspx
- anchor: #n2760524
- Companies mentioned: 中糧集團、彭博、美國貿易代表署、中國商務部

Facts:
- Mutually reduce tariffs on goods covering about $30 billion in trade
- U.S.-China bilateral trade totaled more than $400 billion in the first 8 months of this year
- China once pledged to buy 25 million tons of U.S. soybeans annually through 2028
- Beijing also pledged to buy at least $17 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products annually, in addition to soybeans

## Programmable chipmaker Altera files for IPO in U.S., seeking to raise up to $2 billion

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:36:33+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202609150361.aspx
- anchor: #n2760523
- Companies mentioned: Altera、Intel、Silver Lake

Facts:
- The offering could raise more than $2 billion

## China’s steel industry struggles; 45 companies sign joint statement pledging to cut production and reduce inventories

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:07:30+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202609150360.aspx
- anchor: #n2760520
- Companies mentioned: 中國寶武、鞍鋼、河鋼、首鋼、中國鋼鐵工業協會、萬得數據服務

Facts:
- 45 steel groups
- 555.7 billion yuan
- Less than 7 billion yuan
- 11 companies posted losses
- 7 companies earned less than 300 million yuan
- 58.4 billion yuan
- Down 5.5% year over year
- 16.7 billion yuan
- Down 40%
- 0.77%

## Accused of helping aide 張俊傑 evade capture; 陳厚彰 faces prosecutors’ request for detention and incommunicado custody

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:01:28+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/202609150359.aspx
- anchor: #n2760518
- Companies mentioned: 高金素梅、張俊傑、陳采薰、陳厚彰、潘信義、陳俊瑋、周煥凱、陳俊翰、陳彥安、陳威達、中央社

Facts:
- 高金素梅被控詐領助理薪資等逾新台幣787萬元
- Also allegedly used multiethnic associations to fraudulently claim more than NT$9.33 million in subsidies from government agencies and state-owned enterprises
- After questioning, prosecutors released Ms. Chen on NT$20,000 bail
- After questioning by prosecutors, 陳俊瑋 was released on NT$50,000 bail
- 陳彥安, the man who lent a vehicle to 陳俊翰, was ordered by prosecutors to post NT$100,000 bail

## Meta One subscription service launches in Taiwan, expanding stable recurring revenue beyond advertising

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202609150358.aspx
- anchor: #n2760519
- Companies mentioned: Meta、Facebook、Instagram、WhatsApp、Meta AI

Meta has launched its subscription service, “Meta One,” in Taiwan. It starts at 49 yuan per month and offers expanded AI features, among other things.

Facts:
- Single-product plan starts at NT$49 per month
- Instagram Plus and Facebook Plus each cost 69 yuan per month
- Personal bundle plan starts at 199 yuan per month through in-app purchases
- Creator and business bundle plan starts at 459 yuan per month through in-app purchases
- Meta One has surpassed 15 million subscribers and trial users worldwide to date

## Tea cafe “leabask tea time,” offering 15 or more kinds of tea freshly brewed one cup at a time, to open in Motomachi, Yokohama, on Sept. 17

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:52:25+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000190608.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999601-en.html
- anchor: #n2765277
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社ブルーシー、leabask tea time

Facts:
- More than 15 kinds of tea leaves available at all times
- Drink prices are planned to range from 480 yen to 780 yen
- Scone set: from 1,160 yen
- Hot sandwich set: from 1,200 yen
- Pasta set: from 1,560 yen (planned)
- Around 44 seats are planned in total

## Japan Pet Hotel Association makes its first foray into Gunma, opening its 119th location in front of Takasaki Station

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:45:26+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000053.000142773.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999554-en.html
- anchor: #n2760585
- Companies mentioned: 日本ペットホテル協会株式会社

Facts:
- 119th location

## 〈FICTホールディングス〉sets up an MA tool operating environment to improve its lead conversion rate

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000294.000038921.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999616-en.html
- anchor: #n2765338
- Companies mentioned: FICTホールディングス、株式会社揚羽、富士通、FICT株式会社、株式会社みずほ銀行

Facts:
- Capital: 284.1 million yen (as of September 30, 2025)
- Plans to begin sending step emails around fall 2026

## Never give up on talking about your dreams. 20-year-old rapper Shamis charts the first stage of his life. New song “Be OK,” depicting his life as it is, to be released on 9/16 (Wed.)!

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001796.000011969.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999586-en.html
- anchor: #n2760697
- Companies mentioned: Shamis、GP、basiQ sound

Facts:
- To be released on 9/16 (Wed.)
- The moment he decided to change his life at age 16
- Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
- Born in 2005

## 上戸 彩さんが二つのうどんの顔を確かめ、食べ比べ ふわっと「釜抜き」 つるんと「締め」に、顔が違うと「おいしさも違う！」と一言 丸亀製麺 新TVCM 2026年9月19日（土）より全国で放送開始

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000327.000056642.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999535-en.html
- anchor: #n2760522
- Companies mentioned: 丸亀製麺、株式会社丸亀製麺、上戸 彩

Facts:
- 9月18日（金）・19日（土）の2日間
- Starting Wednesday, September 16

## Sony MusicによるVTuberプロジェクト「VEE」、所属VTuber「雛星あいる」のバースデーグッズが販売開始！

- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000349.000049041.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999534-en.html
- anchor: #n2760521
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社ソニー・ミュージックエンタテインメント、VEE、雛星あいる、中森煙

Facts:
- Set price: 6,700 yen (tax included)
- Acrylic panel, single-item price: 3,800 yen (tax included)
- Acrylic stand, single-item price: 1,700 yen (tax included)
- Can badges (set of 2), single-item price: 1,200 yen (tax included)

## 【魅力発信事業】Lecture: “Filling the Gaps, Making Use of the Gaps—‘Gaps’ in Translation and Creative Work” (held on October 15)

- Published: 2026-09-15T20:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000060.000099035.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999509-en.html
- anchor: #n2760517
- Companies mentioned: 神戸市公立大学法人、神戸市外国語大学

Facts:
- Capacity: 80 people (first come, first served)
- Thursday, October 15, 2026

## Health Calendar - The heart is both an attitude and a strength - Heho健康

- Published: 2026-09-16T01:16:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | Heho健康
- Original: https://heho.com.tw/archives/386805
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/3999588-en.html
- anchor: #n2760703
- Companies mentioned: Heho健康

Facts:
- Health Calendar shared on Sept. 12