August 2026 market report: Signs that recovering supply is reaching prices; deal rate falls year over year for 2 consecutive months, while export deregistrations, up 32.8%, provide support
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A report on the used-car market in August 2026. The number of vehicles listed at USS auctions rose 9.2% year over year, but the deal rate fell to 66.8%, down year over year for 2 consecutive months, and growth in the average deal price slowed to +1.9%. New-car sales were positive for registered vehicles for the 5th consecutive month, while kei cars declined due to the Kumamoto earthquake. Export deregistrations surged 32.8%, providing support for market prices.
[Tue., Oct. 13, 13:00–] 7 ways to improve Google Shopping Ads “data feeds”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社フィードフォース, which provides “dfplus io,” a data feed management tool for marketers, will hold a free online seminar on improving data feeds for Google Shopping Ads on Oct. 13, 2026.
Travel app NEWT conducts an in-depth survey of 1,741 municipalities nationwide and announces its ranking of “Autumn Flavors Gourmet Trips”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NEWT, the travel app operated by 株式会社令和トラベル, conducted its own survey of 1,741 municipalities nationwide and announced its top 30 ranking of “Autumn Flavors Gourmet Trips.” Teko Town in Chiba Prefecture ranked 1st, Shinto Village in Gunma Prefecture ranked 2nd, and Ichikawa City in Chiba Prefecture ranked 3rd.
Facts
1,741 municipalities nationwide
Best 30
Check-in dates: September–November 2026
Companies mentioned：株式会社令和トラベル、NEWT、たびのホテルEXpress成田、アパホテル〈前橋駅北〉、市川グランドホテル、松錦館、東横 INN 静岡藤枝駅北口、HOTEL R9 The Yard 笠間、HOTEL R9 The Yard 常陸太田、東急ステイ函館朝市 灯の湯、ホテルルートインコート柏崎、ホテルルートインコート南アルプス
Hug it close and keep the just-applied color in place—“hug my Lip” by “up2me” launches the “Berry SuiteRoom” shade in limited quantities starting Oct. 21
Turn generational gaps that can cause friction into “laughter”! “Oshigoto Ogiri Fest” to be held during “Labor Thanksgiving Week”—creating a cycle of gratitude through workplace moments and humor
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ランスタッド株式会社 will hold the “3rd Oshigoto Ogiri Fest” as part of Labor Thanksgiving Week 2026 and invite submissions on X on the theme of generational gaps.
Try out 24 types of jobs, including those at local Kumamoto companies: Applications open Oct. 5 for “Out of KidZania in Kumamoto 2026”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Out of KidZania in Kumamoto 2026,” co-hosted by Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting and Kumamoto City, will be held in November 2026, with applications opening on Oct. 5. Under the supervision of KCJ GROUP, it will offer 24 types of career-experience programs.
Facts
Original2026年11月28日（土）および29日（日）に開催
Original参加費：1,000円（税込）/1プログラム
Companies mentioned：熊本朝日放送株式会社、KCJ GROUP 株式会社、キッザニア、キッザニア東京、キッザニア甲子園、キッザニア福岡
[Tokai Electronics] “Automated roll-call experience session” to be held in Hakata on Oct. 8; try automated roll-call for yourself
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東海電子株式会社 will hold an “Automated Roll-Call Experience Session” in Hakata, Fukuoka, on Oct. 8, 2026, offering hands-on experience with an automated roll-call system and an introduction to the new “e-Tenko Self Type Mobile.”
[Tokai Electronics] “Automated roll-call experience session” to be held in Miyazaki on Oct. 15; try automated roll-call for yourself
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東海電子株式会社 will hold an “Automated Roll-Call Experience Session” in Miyazaki on Oct. 15, 2026. The event will offer hands-on experience operating the system and introduce the new “e-Tenko Self Type Mobile.”
Winners of the “Techtouch Partner Awards 2026” announced
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
テックタッチ株式会社 has announced the 4 winning companies of the “Techtouch Partner Awards 2026,” which recognizes partner companies of the digital adoption platform “Techtouch.”
Facts
4 companies in total
Approximately 15,000 people
6 major systems
10 million people (as of January 2026; based on the company’s own research)
[Tokai Electronics] “Automated roll-call experience session” to be held in Himeji on Oct. 16; learn about automated roll-call through a seminar and hands-on equipment experience
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東海電子株式会社 will hold an “Automated Roll-Call Experience Session” in Himeji on Oct. 16, 2026. The event will explain automated roll-call through a seminar and hands-on experience with the equipment, and will also introduce “e-Tenko Self Type Mobile.”
[petit main] More than 650 applicants! 9 petit models from the 15th-anniversary “Petit Model Audition” to debut this fall
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Children’s clothing brand “petit main,” owned by 株式会社ナルミヤ・インターナショナル, selected 9 petit models and 15 ambassadors from more than 650 applicants in its 15th-anniversary audition. They will make their debut this fall.
New anime illustrations revealed for “THE★JOJO WORLD OSAKA”! Interior, attractions, and new menu items for the café area “IGGY CAFE” also unveiled!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社バンダイナムコエクスペリエンス has unveiled newly drawn anime illustrations, interior designs, attractions, café menus and more for THE★JOJO WORLD OSAKA, opening at LUCUA South 10F on Dec. 4, 2026.
Facts
December 4, 2026
14 people in total
About 100 villains
About 584.4 m²
Price: ¥990 and up
Price: ¥1,500 each
Price: 900 yen
Original価格：1枚660円
Price: 3,000 yen
Companies mentioned：株式会社バンダイナムコエクスペリエンス、SPW財団、集英社、LUCKY LAND COMMUNICATIONS、Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.
Mr. Freeze from DCコミックス' Batman joins his wife Nora in a 1/3-scale release
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社プライム1スタジオ has released a 1/3-scale statue of Mr. Freeze from DCコミックス' Batman, alongside his wife Nora. It is priced at ¥545,490 and is scheduled for release between February and May 2028.
Facts
1/3 scale
￥545,490
February–May 2028
350
Height: 82 cm
Width: 61cm
Depth: 51 cm
Weight: About 32.5 kg
Companies mentioned：株式会社プライム1スタジオ、PRIME 1 STATUE、DCコミックス、Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
01Booster and GSE official side event “Large Companies × Startups: The Front Line of Co-Creation” to be held
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
QUINTBRIDGE, operated by NTT West, and 株式会社ゼロワンブースター will hold the GSE official side event “Large Companies × Startups: The Front Line of Co-Creation” on Oct. 6, 2026, featuring a keynote speech and co-creation pitches.
eiicon and GSE official side event “Social Impact × DeepTech Nexus!” to be held
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
QUINTBRIDGE, operated by NTT West, and 株式会社eiicon will hold the GSE official side event “Social Impact × DeepTech Nexus!” on Oct. 2, 2026, to promote collaboration between deep-tech startups, investors and operating companies.
Facts
Friday， October 2， 2026
18:30～20:30
Companies mentioned：NTT西日本株式会社、株式会社eiicon、QUINTBRIDGE、AUBA、Global Startup EXPO 2026、みやこキャピタル株式会社、株式会社京信ソーシャルキャピタル、UntroD Capital Japan株式会社、アクアス株式会社、Playful株式会社、株式会社Godot
New color added to popular item “mole-knit-style loungewear” from lingerie brand YU’NOW（ユナウ）!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ベルーナ’s lingerie brand YU’NOW（ユナウ） has added a new lavender color to its popular “mole-knit-style loungewear,” with presales starting on ZOZOTOWN on Sept. 25.
株式会社ハンズ will run a calendar promotion starting in mid-September. Tabletop and mini calendars from オビワン, ラボクリップ, 古川紙工 and others, along with related goods such as notebook log kits and stickers, are on sale at its stores.
HATTRICK and 公益財団法人 日本テニス協会 to hold the “木下グループ Japan Open 2026 Charity Auction”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
HATTRICK Auction, operated by バリュエンスジャパン株式会社, is holding a charity auction in conjunction with the “木下グループ Japan Open 2026,” organized by 公益財団法人日本テニス協会. The auction commemorates the final domestic tournament featuring Kei Nishikori, and proceeds will be donated to a humanitarian aid organization.
“Rakuten Pay” now available as a payment method on Stripe
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Rakuten Payment has launched “Rakuten Pay” as a payment method on Stripe. It is initially available for online payments, with in-person payments planned in stages. The service is enabled through StarPay, and users receive up to 1.5% in points.
01Booster, a business creation company, to hold GSE-endorsed side event “Large Companies × Startups: The Front Line of Co-Creation” with QUINTBRIDGE
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ゼロワンブースター and QUINTBRIDGE, operated by NTT West, will jointly hold the GSE-endorsed side event “Large Companies × Startups: The Front Line of Co-Creation” on Oct. 6, 2026, sharing practical examples of open innovation and holding co-creation pitches.
Facts
Oct. 6, 2026 (Tue.)
14:30～16:30
Established: March 2012
Companies mentioned：株式会社ゼロワンブースター、01Booster、NTT西日本株式会社、QUINTBRIDGE、ナブテスコ株式会社、ロート製薬株式会社、ugo株式会社、Ax Robotix株式会社、スリー株式会社、01Booster Capital
As part of a co-creation project between Sumitomo Life and FamiOne, an outreach lesson on sex education will be held at Ohira Elementary School in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ファミワン held an online outreach lesson on sex education for 1st-grade students at Ohira Elementary School in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, in September 2026, as part of a co-creation project with 住友生命保険相互会社.
caseplay, ranked No. 1 for supported models, collaborations and designs in the smartphone accessories industry, launches “SEVENTEEN | THE SMURFS” collaboration cases!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
caseplay, operated by 株式会社FOX, will begin selling tech accessories, including smartphone cases featuring collaboration designs by K-pop group SEVENTEEN and character brand THE SMURFS, on Sept. 30, 2026. The cases support more than 170 models and are priced from ¥1,980 to ¥15,800.
17LIVE Lab’s 3rd survey, “Autumn Lifestyle Survey 2026”: More than 80% watch short videos longer than intended, even in the “autumn of reading”! In the “autumn of appetite,” about 70% say videos and livestreams make them want to eat the featured food
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
According to the results of 17LIVE株式会社’s “Autumn Lifestyle Survey 2026,” more than 80% of users watch short videos longer than planned, and about 70% feel they have become less able to concentrate on long texts. In the “autumn of appetite,” about 70% said videos or livestreams had made them want to eat something, and nearly half had actually bought or ordered it.
Facts
More than 80% (82.6%) said they sometimes “watch short videos longer than planned”!
65.8% feel that “compared with a few years ago, it is harder to concentrate on long texts”
“Livestreams” ranked first (32.6%)!
About 70% have seen someone eating in a video or livestream and felt “I want to eat that too”!
The survey found that 49.8%, or about half, had acted on that feeling.
[NTT West × eiicon] GSE official side event “Social Impact × DeepTech Nexus!” to be held on Oct. 2
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社eiicon and NTT West will hold the GSE official side event “Social Impact × DeepTech Nexus!” at QUINTBRIDGE in Osaka on Oct. 2, 2026. The event will bring together deep-tech startups working to address social issues, investors and operating companies, among others, to explore the potential for putting technologies into practical use and fostering co-creation through talks, pitches and networking.
Facts
Friday， October 2， 2026
A corporate network with more than 40,000 companies
More than 100,000 matching opportunities
More than 164 leading companies
Selected 140 companies across more than 20 prefectures
A cumulative total of 143 projects
Companies mentioned：株式会社eiicon、NTT西日本株式会社、みやこキャピタル株式会社、株式会社京信ソーシャルキャピタル、UntroD Capital Japan株式会社、アクアス株式会社、Playful株式会社、株式会社Godot
【Sharing every moment with “GACHI (all-out commitment)”!】Fit-Easy and Toyota Motor Corporation renew partnership agreement as the Antelopes seek to reclaim the title for the first time in 5 years
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
フィットイージー株式会社 has renewed its partnership agreement with Toyota Motor Corporation’s women’s basketball team, the Antelopes, and begun working together to reclaim the title for the first time in 5 years.
PERSOL CAREER and Digital Hollywood partner to provide end-to-end services, from training FDE talent sought in the AI era to career-change support
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
パーソルキャリア株式会社 and デジタルハリウッド株式会社 are launching a partnership offering an end-to-end program, from training FDE talent sought in the AI era to career-change support. Specifically, graduates of the PRO course at G's, operated by デジタルハリウッド株式会社, will receive career consultations and career-change support through パーソルキャリア株式会社’s doda service.
Lemino’s August 2026 Korean and Asian content popularity rankings announced!! The hit office revenge story “The New Employee, Chairman Kang,” currently generating buzz on social media, reclaims the top spot!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社NTTドコモ’s video streaming service Lemino has announced its August 2026 rankings for Korean and Asian content. “The New Employee, Chairman Kang” returned to the top spot, while “Is It Fate?” and “House of the Queen” were among the new entries to rank highly.
Facts
August 2026
990 yen per month (tax included)
1,540 yen per month (tax included)
1,650 yen per month (tax included)
Monthly usage fee free for 31 days
Companies mentioned：株式会社NTTドコモ、SLL Joongang Co.,Ltd、IOKCOMPANY Co.,Ltd、KBS Media Ltd.、KBS、App Store、Google Play、dTV
Absorption-type company split of certain businesses of 株式会社セントラルフーズ and transfer of its shares
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東急株式会社 has decided to transfer the retail business and Yokohama plant of its consolidated subsidiary 株式会社セントラルフーズ to 株式会社東急ストア through an absorption-type company split, and to transfer all shares in セントラルフーズ to ＪＡ全農ミートフーズ株式会社. The share transfer agreement was signed on September 30, 2026, and the absorption-type company split and share transfer are scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2026.
株式会社mov has published “Inbound Tourism News Roundup [Second Half of September 2026],” compiling inbound tourism news and data. Topics include the Japan Tourism Agency commissioner’s promotion of regional travel through the Asian Games and the 3.1 million international visitors to Japan in August.
Facts
The number of international visitors to Japan in August was 3.1 million
Up to 13 consecutive holidays
Connected to 32 websites, including its own corporate website!
菅野 信 of Anthropic Japan 合同会社 confirmed as a speaker at “Accounting AI Forward - Moving Accounting Forward with AI -”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社マネーフォワード announced that 菅野 信, head of Applied AI at Anthropic Japan 合同会社, will speak at its online conference “Accounting AI Forward,” to be held on October 20 and 21, 2026. 菅野 信 and 株式会社マネーフォワード CDAO 野村一仁 will discuss the future of back-office operations and management decision-making transformed by AI agents.
Facts
October 20 (Tuesday) and 21 (Wednesday), 2026, 12:00–16:30
Participation fee: Free
Established: May 2012
Joined the company in December 2023 and is responsible for data strategy and execution across the group.
Online conference to be held on October 20 (Tuesday) and 21 (Wednesday), 2026
Companies mentioned：株式会社マネーフォワード、Anthropic Japan 合同会社、米Anthropic PBC社、アクセンチュア株式会社、楽天グループ株式会社、スマートニュース株式会社
Notice of the opening of the 15th store in Malaysia: NITORI PAVILION DAMANSARA HEIGHTS store
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ニトリホールディングス announced that it will open the NITORI PAVILION DAMANSARA HEIGHTS store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 1, 2026. It will be the group’s 15th store in Malaysia and its 1,090th store worldwide.
This year, the event is also coming to the local community! “Social Fest (NSG Group 50th Anniversary)” to be held October 23 and 24, featuring art exhibits, collaborative bread sales and workshops
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To mark its 50th anniversary in November 2026, NSG Group will hold “Social Fest,” operated by its special subsidiary NSGソシアルサポート, on October 23 and 24, 2026. The event will feature art exhibits and workshops, as well as collaborative bread sales with local company ナミテテ.
朝日新聞ポッドキャスト (朝ポキ), operated by 株式会社朝日新聞社, launched a new sports-focused program, “Sponge Sports Lounge,” in September. It features series on soccer, basketball, figure skating, sumo and baseball, along with coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Facts
September
14 years
3rd time
108th
4th time
43 sports
Companies mentioned：株式会社朝日新聞社、朝日新聞ポッドキャスト、朝ポキ、国際サッカー連盟、FIFA、Bリーグ、Wリーグ、NBA、智弁和歌山、横浜、健大高崎、Spotify、Apple、Amazon music
Latest action RPG Mongil: STAR DIVE gets major Ver.1.4 update! New ★5 character Isabella, new areas and half-anniversary events arrive!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ネットマーブルジャパン has rolled out the major Ver.1.4 update for the action RPG Mongil: STAR DIVE. The update adds the new ★5 character Isabella, Episode 7, new areas, the Sanctuary of Attributes and an AR Photography Mode, and launches events to mark the half-anniversary.
Facts
Ver.1.4
★5
29 new “Monplan” types
15 new “Link Chains”
Episode 7
Isabella’s 7-day gift campaign
Made its debut in 2013
Founded in South Korea in 2000
Service launch date ] April 15, 2026
Companies mentioned：ネットマーブル、Netmarble Monster Inc.、Netmarble Corp.、ネットマーブルジャパン株式会社、Kabam、SpinX Games、Jam City、HYBE、NCSOFT、Apple Inc.、Google LLC、Epic Games Store
U-NEXT announces its music livestream lineup for Oct. 2026! Exclusive live streams include back number’s first 5-major-stadium tour, their largest ever, and a festival marking 45 years of Tomoyasu Hotei’s career!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社U-NEXT has announced its lineup of music live content for Oct. 2026. Highlights include an exclusive stream of back number’s first 5-major-stadium tour, Tomoyasu Hotei’s 45th-anniversary festival “HOTEI FES,” and Aimyon’s 10th-anniversary show.
On episode 12 of ABEMA’s Love Hyena season 6, Yusuke Yamamoto announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman and graduated from the host project. Guest Akiko Hinagata discussed her relationship with the Mechaike cast, while Inrin shared her desire to take on gravure modeling at 49.
Facts
Total views (*) have exceeded 900 million
He has battled fiercely across 6 clubs over 3 and a half years as a host
40th-anniversary book for The Five Star Stories, F.S.S. EPISODES of 40th MEMORIAL, goes on sale Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA will release F.S.S. EPISODES of 40th MEMORIAL, a 40th-anniversary book celebrating Mamoru Nagano’s The Five Star Stories, on Oct. 1, 2026.
Free Content Update No. 7 for Farming Simulator 25 is now available! 4 new pieces of equipment added
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セガ began rolling out the 7th free content update for Farming Simulator 25 on Sept. 29, 2026. It adds 4 types of agricultural machinery and vehicles from Merlo, Sola and Škoda, and enhances the physics effects during rainy weather.
Facts
7th installment
Sept. 29, 2026
150 agricultural machinery companies
More than 400 types
25 types in total
Up to 6 players
5,980 yen
6,578 yen
Companies mentioned：株式会社セガ、Sola、Merlo、Škoda、Iseki、Kubota、Case IH、CLAAS、Fendt、John Deere、Massey Ferguson、New Holland、Valtra、GIANTS Software、Steam、Epic Games Store
Free illustrated practical guide released on using AI to think through the context and purpose of emails and build a habit of reflection
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
リクエスト株式会社 has released a free PDF of its illustrated practical guide, “Connecting Work Done with AI to Experience for Future Decisions,” designed to help users think through the context and purpose of emails with AI and build a habit of reflection.
61% of active business coaches see signs of burnout among managers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A survey of 100 active business coaches conducted by 株式会社Superiieur found that 61% had seen signs of burnout among their managerial clients, while 63% said they had seen cases in which mental health decline led to lower team productivity.
“Bicycle NAVITIME” launches “safety-first” routes that avoid roads with frequent roadside parking and roads with high speed limits
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ナビタイムジャパン will begin offering “safety-first” routes for paid subscribers of its dedicated cycling app, “Bicycle NAVITIME,” starting September 30, 2026. The routes avoid roads with high speed limits and roads with frequent roadside parking.
Facts
From September 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
Up to 9 routes
Following the September 1, 2026, revision to the Order for Enforcement of the Road Traffic Act
Reduced from the previous 60 km/h
to 30 km/h
Responding to the April 1 revision of the Road Traffic Act
As Japan welcomes autumn, spring is in full bloom in Australia! 3 spectacular spring-colored sights in purple, pink and yellow
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
As Japan enters autumn, Australia in the Southern Hemisphere welcomes the height of spring, offering colorful spectacular scenery including jacarandas, tulips and wildflowers. The article introduces tourist attractions and event information in Sydney, the outskirts of Melbourne and Western Australia.
Facts
September to November
Around October to November
More than 1 million
Mid-September to mid-October
More than 12,000 species
11 wildflower routes
Companies mentioned：オーストラリア政府観光局、Tourism Australia
Addressing 9 challenges faced by company stores: 心幸ストア publishes a page offering solutions
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
心幸グループ has published a new solutions page on the website of 心幸ストア, its in-house company store and office convenience store, addressing 9 challenges related to introduction and operation.
The September 30, 2026 ASEAN Briefing covers economic and financial developments across the region: Vietnam’s interest rates are expected to remain unchanged until early 2027; Laos’ September inflation rose to 7.8%; Singapore public transport fares will rise 7% from December 26; the Philippines suspended British beef imports over mad cow disease in Scotland; large private enterprises account for nearly half of Myanmar’s industrial zones; Malaysian companies generated more than 300 million ringgit in sales at the China-ASEAN Expo; Thailand’s manufacturing output rose 4.44% year on year in August; IMF estimates Cambodia’s economic growth will slow to 3% this year; and Indonesia plans to cut its 2027 energy subsidy budget by 114 trillion rupiah.
Facts
September inflation rose to 7.8%
Public transport fares to rise 7%
Draw on about 200 million Singapore dollars in taxpayer subsidies
Subsidy raised from 60 Singapore dollars to 80 Singapore dollars per household
Monthly income ceiling per person... raised to 2100 Singapore dollars
Expected to cover about 60,000 more households
Large enterprises account for about 48%
Generated sales of 305.62 million ringgit
Original target of 275 million ringgit
11.1% higher
A total of 67 Malaysian companies took part
Manufacturing output rose 4.44% year on year
Market forecast was a 1.00% year-on-year increase
Revised in July to a 3.97% year-on-year increase
Capacity utilization rose from 57.55%, revised in July, to 58.28%
Cambodia’s economic growth this year is expected to fall to 3% from 5.3% last year
5.3% last year
Economic growth is expected to rebound to 4% next year
Average inflation is expected to reach 5.6% this year
Cut the 2027 energy subsidy budget by 114 trillion rupiah
Biggest increase ever: Singapore MRT and bus fares to rise 7% from 12/26
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Singapore announced that MRT and bus fares will rise 7% from December 26, the biggest increase ever, citing rising international energy prices. The government will provide additional subsidies and keep monthly pass prices unchanged. Experts recommend introducing an automatic fare cap to ease the burden on passengers, while noting that the Grab platform has also raised its fuel surcharge.
Facts
Rise 7%
Starting December 26
Increase by 1 jiao 2 fen to 1 jiao 3 fen in Singapore dollars
Three fishing boats catch fire one after another at Kaohsiung’s Cijin fishing port; no injuries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Three fishing boats caught fire one after another around noon today at Kaohsiung’s Cijin fishing port. The 高雄港務消防大隊 and the fire department dispatched a total of 22 vehicles and 55 personnel to fight the blaze, extinguishing it at about 2 p.m. There were no injuries, and the cause is under investigation.
An estimated 4800 overseas compatriots to attend National Day celebrations; Hsu Chia-ching sees rising interest in Taiwan among young overseas compatriots
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 僑委會 estimates that 4800 overseas compatriots will return to Taiwan for this year’s Double Tenth National Day celebrations, about 800 more than last year. Chairperson Hsu Chia-ching said her initial assessment is that young overseas compatriots are showing increased interest in Taiwan. The council is offering souvenirs featuring its mascot and travel subsidies to encourage them to return.
Facts
4800 overseas compatriots
About 800 more
From 53 countries
A total of 200,000 people from Taiwan have obtained Canadian citizenship
Only 100,000 still live in Canada
An estimated 60,000 have returned to Taiwan to settle
September home sales fell month on month but rose year on year; realtor: buying activity recovered after central bank easing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Home sales in September fell month on month but rose year on year, affected by the Ghost Month, wait-and-see sentiment over the central bank, and the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Buying activity picked up in the second half of the month after the central bank eased restrictions, and all counties and cities performed better than last year.
Iran reportedly receives U.S. response to 7-day ceasefire plan; sequencing is main point of disagreement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi received the U.S. response to a 7-day ceasefire proposal through Qatari mediators. The main point of disagreement between the sides is the order of implementation.
Following GPS directions, driver takes car into mountainous area of Zhuqi and plunges down slope; rescued
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the mountainous area of Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County, a car mistakenly entered an industrial road while following GPS directions and plunged down a slope about 15 meters high. The 65-year-old female driver was trapped and rescued. She was taken to hospital and is not in life-threatening condition.
Controversy over campus entry identity-check drill; 世新大學: not aimed at any specific event
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
世新大學 faced student backlash over the abolition of department offices and cuts to administrative staff. The school later announced an “campus entry identity-check drill,” prompting questions about whether it targeted a specific event. The school clarified that the drill aimed to improve campus security measures and was not aimed at any particular group, stressing that it respects the right of students and faculty to express their views.
Taipei New Culture Movement Month opens, offering a look at “A Grand Tour of Formosa” from a century ago
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台北市文化局 announced the launch of 2026 New Culture Movement Month. The featured exhibition, “A Grand Tour of Formosa,” opens October 1 at 台灣新文化運動紀念館, combining historical materials and interactive experiences to present the history of travel during the Japanese colonial period. A stage play, “The Sixteenth Year of the Taisho Era,” will also be performed at the Ximen Red House Theater.
Lai Ching-te urges rational cross-party discussion and swift review of supplementary budget bill
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Executive Yuan has submitted a supplementary budget bill totaling NT$607.63 billion to the Legislative Yuan for review. President Lai Ching-te urged ruling and opposition party caucuses to return to rational discussion and complete the review as soon as possible.
Facts
NT$607.63 billion
607.6 billion yuan in spending budget
Allocated NT$187.5 billion
Old-age farmers' allowance raised to NT$10,000
National Pension raised to NT$5,000
Six major social welfare allowances total NT$21.5 billion
Chiayi City police arrested 3 people suspected of serving as couriers for a fraud ring. Lin was caught riding a Ubike and stood out because of tattoos on both hands, while a woman surnamed Zhao and a man surnamed Zhang were separately arrested for collecting suspicious packages. After the three were transferred for prosecution, Lin was detained and barred from receiving visitors, while the other 2 were released on bail of NT$30,000 each.
The U.S. Pentagon announced that the United States has formally ended its Operation Inherent Resolve mission against jihadists in Iraq, following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The move is in line with the September 2024 U.S.-Iraq joint statement. The withdrawal agreement was reached under the Biden administration and is now being implemented by the Trump administration.
Facts
(中央社 Washington, the 30th, compiled from foreign wire reports)
In line with the September 2024 U.S.-Iraq joint statement
The US invaded Iraq in 2003
It did not withdraw until the end of 2011
During the major war from 2014 to 2017
The "Iraqi Freedom Operation" from 2003 to 2011
About twice that of the Afghanistan war
The war in Afghanistan ended in 2021 with a hasty US withdrawal
Foreign investors end 2-session selling streak with net purchases of NT$29.6 billion, buying into the two major panel makers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign investors ended a 2-session selling streak with net purchases of NT$29.6 billion, buying into the two major panel makers, 群創 and 友達. Taiwan's stock market closed at 47940.12 points, with the three major institutional investors posting combined net purchases of NT$38.657 billion.
Facts
Gained 308.17 points
Closed at 47940.12 points
Net purchases of NT$38.657 billion
Net purchases of NT$29.636 billion
Net purchases of NT$7.781 billion
群創: 99,099 lots
友達: 67,780 lots
力積電: 58,591 lots
Average daily trading volume is around NT$800 billion
Chen Ying leads farmers to South Korea to seek business opportunities; Wu Hsiu-hua launches campaign headquarters with Ko Wen-je appearing in support
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chen Ying, the DPP's Taitung County magistrate candidate, led 10 farmers' associations and businesses to South Korea to seek business opportunities and witness the signing of a deal for pineapple custard apple ice pops. Wu Hsiu-hua, the KMT's Taitung County magistrate candidate, announced that her campaign headquarters will open on Oct. 4, with TPP founding chairman Ko Wen-je appearing in support.
Japan considers Ibaraki for nuclear waste disposal; Hitachiomiya City becomes first such case on Honshu
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japan's central government plans to consider Hitachiomiya City in Ibaraki Prefecture as a candidate site for nuclear waste disposal. The city's mayor announced acceptance of the first-stage "literature survey," making it the first case on Honshu.
Taitung truck driver flees crash scene, self-harms while resisting arrest
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Chen in Taitung drove a truck more than 20 kilometers after a hit-and-run, then self-harmed while resisting arrest after police stopped him in Luye Township. He was taken to hospital with no life-threatening injuries.
U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee chairman: U.S. security commitment to Taiwan must be maintained
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After meeting Taiwan's representative to the United States, Yu Da-lei, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Wicker stressed that Washington's security commitment to Taiwan must be maintained, adding that the Taiwan Relations Act calls for providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself. Earlier, senators called for the release of more than US$15 billion in frozen military aid for Taiwan, while Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the United States had reiterated that its Taiwan policy remained unchanged and that talks on arms sales were ongoing.
Chang Cheng-wei hits perfect scores with every arrow, helping Taiwan’s compound bow men’s team win Asian Games bronze
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s men’s compound archery team defeated South Korea in the bronze medal match at the Nagoya Asian Games to claim bronze. Team member Chang Cheng-wei scored a perfect 10 with all 8 of his arrows as the lead shooter. Coach Lin Che-wei disclosed that teammate Chen Chieh-lun had been affected by panic disorder but has now stabilized.
Lilies bloom by the thousands amid autumn colors in Alishan’s Leye community
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The lily season in the Leye community of Alishan Township, Chiayi County, opens tomorrow and is expected to last one month. The site will feature 3 or 40 different lily varieties, with admission priced at NT$100 per person.
Fubon Securities to launch U.S. premarket and after-hours trading service on 10/1
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
富邦證券 announced that it will launch a U.S. premarket and after-hours trading service starting Oct. 1, helping investors keep up with market information such as earnings reports and economic data released outside regular trading hours.
Facts
Starting October 1
U.S. daylight saving time (the 2nd Sunday in March through the 1st Sunday in November)
Standard time (the 1st Sunday in November through the 2nd Sunday of the following March)
The Taiwan dollar closed at 31.852 against the U.S. dollar in the Taipei foreign exchange market, gaining 2.4 cents, with trading volume reaching US$2.122 billion.
A dump truck went out of control on County Highway 128 in Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, snapping a utility pole that crashed onto and damaged the cab. The driver, surnamed Lin, was briefly trapped but was unharmed. Police preliminarily ruled out drunk and drug-impaired driving; the cause is under investigation.
Thailand-based scholar: Trump-Xi meeting leaves differences unresolved; Taiwan should watch Washington’s next moves
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Thailand-based scholar 奧倫多夫 analyzed the Trump-Xi meeting, saying it failed to resolve core differences over rare earths, technology and Taiwan, and that U.S.-China relations have only stabilized. She advised Taiwan to watch Washington’s next moves, particularly developments in an arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$14 billion.
Wage subsidies for 9 industries; development agency urges applicants to check eligibility period
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Workforce Development Agency under the Ministry of Labor reminded employers that wage subsidies under the employment stabilization measures for 9 industries have been extended through the end of October. To qualify, the start-to-end period of reduced working hours must be at least 30 days. Each person can receive up to NT$11,500 per month.
Raising-beam blessing ceremony held at Changhua’s Nanguo Dormitory; site to become youth startup hub
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Changhua County Government held a raising-beam blessing ceremony at the Nanguo Dormitory as part of efforts to revitalize cultural assets. The area will be transformed into the “Nanguo Youth Startup Hub,” welcoming youth teams and featuring a range of spaces.
Facts
Nanguo Dormitory Nos. 5 and 5-1
The project is divided into 2 phases
Includes 7 Japanese-style buildings
Restoration completed on 4 Japanese-style dormitories
The 8 official residences built at the time
The “Nanguo Dormitory Nos. 5 and 5-1” in 107
The county government formally registered it in 108
Pangolin numbers rise, but dog attacks pose a threat; Pingtung university’s conservation and rescue network brings in Laiyi hunters
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國立屏東科技大學 Assistant Professor 孫敬閔 is promoting conservation and rescue efforts and improved hunting gear in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung region. The first outreach event was held in Laiyi Township, bringing hunters familiar with the mountains into the monitoring and rescue network. Pangolin numbers are increasing, but the animals face threats from dog attacks. Association chair 陳文山 said stronger conservation awareness is needed.
Facts
Adult body length exceeds 40 centimeters
Original南和村巧遇2次
Call the 1999 hotline
3rd-generation improved hunting gear
Laiyi Township’s community hunting management plan began in 2017
More than half of the hunting gear consists of steel-jaw traps
Phison’s 潘健成: Memory supply and demand will take many more years to balance; AI development will not slow
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
群聯電子 founder 潘健成 said that strong demand for AI and consumer electronics means it will take years for memory supply and demand to balance. He expects the consumer electronics market to continue facing shortages and stressed that AI development will not slow.
Liu Chih-jung signs development contract with Japan’s Rakuten Golden Eagles, will wear No. 101
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese pitcher 劉致榮 reached an agreement to sign as a developmental player with the Japanese professional baseball team 東北樂天金鷲隊 after finishing the Nagoya Asian Games, and will wear jersey No. 101.
National Cultural Heritage Preservation Awards presented; Li Yuan says history brings happiness and security
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The seventh National Cultural Heritage Preservation Awards ceremony was held at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei. Culture Minister 李遠 said history brings a sense of happiness and security, and noted that the prize money had increased to NT$6 million and the awards had been reorganized into 5 categories.
Government supports cultural heritage preservation; Cho Jung-tai says cultural memory is the deepest root
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Premier 卓榮泰 attended the seventh National Cultural Heritage Preservation Awards ceremony, stressing that cultural memory is the nation’s deepest root. He outlined how the government has allocated substantial budgets through multiple phases of programs to support the cultural sector, promote the preservation and revitalization of buildings, and advance the concept of digital twins.
Secret files reveal preparations for military intervention during Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
According to 共同社, a disclosed secret military file shows that during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, senior Chinese military officer Wei Liang once proposed preparing for military intervention to suppress protests in Hong Kong. Xi Jinping also attended a related meeting, but force was ultimately not used.
THE World University Rankings: 台大 ranks 126th, remains No. 1 in industry-academia collaboration
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
英國泰晤士報高等教育專刊（THE） released its 2027 World University Rankings. 台灣大學 ranked 126th, up 14 places from last year, and continued to rank first globally in industry-academia collaboration.
Facts
Ranked 126th
Up 14 places
Continues to rank first globally in industry-academia collaboration