Liu Chien-kuo Opens Campaign Headquarters in Taixi; Chang Chia-chun Attends National Day Flag-Raising Ceremony
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Liu Chien-kuo, the 民進黨 candidate for Yunlin County magistrate, opened his campaign headquarters in Taixi and called for people to join forces to create a “Yunlin movement.” The 國民黨 candidate, Chang Chia-chun, attended a National Day flag-raising ceremony and promoted the Yunlin International Puppet Theater Festival.
Facts
2026 Nine-in-One Elections
Original雲林縣10日電
Health insurance premiums free for people aged 65 and older
Sun Yi-lei Makes Postseason Debut in Japan’s Pro Baseball League, Earns Hold; Seibu Wins in Extra Innings on Walk-Off Homer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the first round of the Japan pro baseball postseason, Fighters pitcher Sun Yi-lei made his debut with a scoreless 1-inning relief appearance to earn a hold. The Seibu Lions won 3-2 in the 10th inning of extra innings on a walk-off homer by Canario.
9 Universities and Colleges Provide National Day Ceremonial Services; 教育部 Presents Certificates of Appreciation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After the National Day ceremony, 教育部 Minister Cheng Ying-yao presented certificates of appreciation to 9 universities and colleges that provided ceremonial services and to elementary and middle school teams that performed, praising students for applying what they learned in class and showcasing multicultural inclusion.
China Deploys Another Gray-Zone Harassment Tactic, Targeting Batanes Islands, a Strategic Chokepoint in U.S. Defense of Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Chinese scholar's claim that the Batanes Islands belong to China prompted strong opposition and rebuttals from the Philippines. The move is seen as Beijing's latest tactic to expand its “gray-zone” influence in the Pacific and could provide a pretext for the China Coast Guard to operate in waters beyond the First Island Chain.
Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Season Begins Oct. 31; Period Costumes Re-create the Atmosphere of Travel in Days Past
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
交通部觀光署東北角及宜蘭海岸國家風景區管理處 announced that the Caoling Historic Trail Silvergrass Season will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 29. Free weekend shuttle service will run between Fulong Visitor Center and Yuanwangkeng, while activities at Dali Visitor Center will include period costume rentals, creative souvenir exchanges and DIY craft experiences.
Takao Rock Festival Takes Place over National Day Holiday, Crowds Pack 3 Main Stages and Market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 2026 Takao Rock festival took place at the Kaohsiung Music Center, drawing large crowds to 3 free stages—Sea Breeze Plaza, Coral Reef Group and Sound Wave Tower—over the National Day holiday. A total of 20 acts performed, and the event runs through Oct. 31.
International highlights this week included plague cases in Russia, a major earthquake in Panama, the Nobel Prize announcements and an education crisis in France. At home, President Lai delivered a National Day address, 超微（AMD） announced additional investment in Taiwan, and social issues included a surveillance case involving Lai Ching-te's son and controversy over Taipei police searching a gay bar.
Facts
Panama was hit by a magnitude-7.7 earthquake today
About 200 people are under medical monitoring.
Will deploy 3000 substitute teachers
More than 70,000 people took to the streets nationwide
A consensus list of outcomes containing 16 items
超微 previously announced a US$10 billion supply-chain investment plan in Taiwan
Taiwan's delegation brought home 5 gold, 17 silver and 33 bronze medals
Scholars: President discusses Trump-Xi meeting from an international perspective, encourages public to have strategic confidence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In his National Day address titled “A City Upon a Hill,” President Lai Ching-te drew on America’s founding story and the spirit behind the founding of Taiwan and the United States, scholars said. On the Trump-Xi meeting, Lai said he welcomed U.S.-China dialogue to manage competition, encouraged the public to have strategic confidence, and stressed that national sovereignty would not be sold off in a deal between major powers.
Facts
Taiwan began developing semiconductors more than 40 years ago
Lai’s National Day address calls for sharing AI dividends and economic gains, strengthening national defense to safeguard peace
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In his National Day address, Lai said Taiwan’s economic growth rate is expected to top 11% and its global competitiveness has climbed to No. 4. The government plans to distribute an AI dividend of NT$10,000 to each person next year and provide a monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for those aged 0 to 18. He also stressed strengthening national defense and advancing 13 core strategic industries.
Facts
Economic growth rate expected to top 11%
Global competitiveness climbs to No. 4
AI dividend of NT$10,000 for each person
Monthly growth allowance of NT$5,000 for ages 0 to 18
Russia plans to increase diesel supplies to U.S.; experts say move unlikely to ease pressure from high oil prices
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Trump announced an agreement with Russia under which Russia will increase diesel supplies to the United States, but experts say the move is unlikely to effectively lower persistently high oil prices or ease inflationary pressures.
Facts
More than 300,000 metric tons
An additional 500,000 metric tons
An extra 4 million metric tons
A record high of $6.53
$6.28 per gallon
Nearly $3.68
Companies mentioned：中央社、美聯社、美國汽車協會、AAA、能源政策研究基金會、Energy Policy Research Foundation、哥倫比亞大學全球能源政策中心、戰略暨國際研究中心、CSIS
Hsinchu County race: Zheng Chaofang proposes revitalizing old streets; Hsu Hsin-ying vows to build transparent, clean politics
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
During the 2026 nine-in-one elections, 民進黨 Hsinchu County magistrate candidate Zheng Chaofang opened a campaign office in Hukou and proposed traffic improvements and old-street revitalization. 國民黨 candidate Hsu Hsin-ying attended a National Day flag-raising ceremony and advocated transparent, clean politics and making the county the world’s Hakka cultural capital.
Injuries at French student protests rise as police conduct faces close scrutiny
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
French student protests continue to spread, with the number of people injured during police operations rising and police conduct facing close scrutiny. The General Inspectorate of the National Police is investigating 24 related cases, and the interior minister has ordered a halt to the use of flash grenades. Experts say France is an outlier in Europe in its use of less-lethal weapons.
Facts
14-year-old Aiden
One of the 24 cases currently under investigation
Recorded 28 cases of injuries caused by police use of force
Of these, 15 are also under investigation by the General Inspectorate of the National Police
In two of the cases, victims lost an eye or suffered eye injuries from rubber bullets
A 15-year-old boy had his hand blown off
About 200 students were injured
We have seen 4 cases of irreversible serious injuries in just 12 days
Car and heavy motorcycle collide in Taichung’s Xinshe; bystanders lift car together to restore traffic
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A car and a heavy motorcycle collided on County Road 95 in Xinshe District, Taichung City. Bystanders worked together to lift the car and restore traffic. Neither party tested positive for alcohol, and police are investigating the cause of the crash.
JR九州 rail service fully resumes more than 兩 months after Kumamoto earthquake
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
JR九州 fully resumed rail service 74 days after the Kumamoto earthquake, reopening the Uto-Yatsushiro section of the Kagoshima Main Line. Passengers saw it as a step toward recovery.
Han Kuo-yu says New Taipei race is heating up; Su Chiao-hui: I feel warm currents surging
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu described the New Taipei mayoral race as “boiling hot.” Democratic Progressive Party candidate Su Chiao-hui said she felt warm currents surging in New Taipei and mentioned plans to advance construction of the Sanchong joint hospital.
Lions fight to avoid a sweep and end losing streak in 4-game, 3-win series
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
統一7-ELEVEn獅隊 lost the opening game of the postseason challenge series to the CTBC Brothers, extending its losing streak across seasons to 4 games. Facing elimination today, the team is aiming to avoid becoming the first team swept in a best-of-4 series, in which 3 wins are needed.
Zhongxing Village in Hualien innovates its National Day parade with female frog soldiers and light aircraft showcasing patriotic spirit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Zhongxing Village in Fenglin Township, Hualien County, introduced new features to its National Day parade this year, including a performance by “female frog soldiers” wearing flippers made by villagers from banana-tree bark, and an aerial formation by 7 light aircraft. The event combined Indigenous culture with displays of patriotism.
Facts
7 light aircraft
4 women carrying large national flags
More than 70 people moved to Zhongxing Village after retirement
President meets Japanese parliamentary delegation, hopes Taiwan-Japan ties will deepen
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te met a delegation of Japanese lawmakers led by Keiji Furuya and thanked them for their continued support for Taiwan-Japan relations. Furuya said a task force would promote friendship between Taiwan and Japan, including opening the way for “Taiwan” to be listed in Japanese family registers and encouraging students to travel to Taiwan for graduation trips.
School lunch ingredient budgets to rise by NT$5; Huang Min-hui says students will eat more nutritious meals
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui said the city government has budgeted to add NT$5 per meal for ingredients in school lunches for junior high and elementary school students starting next year, helping students eat more nutritiously. 文財殿 and 文通慈善會 have also donated to disadvantaged students for 23 consecutive years, benefiting 399 students in the 115 academic year.
JJ Lin headlines Singapore F1 event, opening a new chapter in his next phase of songwriting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Singer JJ Lin headlined the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, bringing 20 rearranged songs prepared over nearly 6 months and premiering a new English-language single, “RISE WITHOUT A SOUND,” to open a new chapter in his next phase of songwriting.
Shenzhen schools to have autumn break during APEC summit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Shenzhen Education Bureau in Guangdong announced that schools across the city will have an “autumn break” from Nov. 17 to 20 to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
Presidential Office official: 3 implications of National Day address; response to Trump-Xi meeting highlights cross-strait differences
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Presidential Office official said President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address had 三 layers of meaning: responding to U.S.-China interactions after the Trump-Xi meeting, highlighting the difference between Taiwan’s democracy and China’s authoritarian system, and addressing social issues such as declining birthrates through concrete policies.
Lai’s National Day address: Scholars say maintaining status quo across Taiwan Strait remains consistent position
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Scholars analyzing President Lai’s National Day address said his position on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is consistent with that of previous governments. They said his emphasis that “distortion of World War II history will absolutely not be tolerated” was a response to Beijing.
Lai’s National Day address: Scholars say maintaining status quo across Taiwan Strait remains consistent position
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Scholars analyzing President Lai’s National Day address said his position on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is consistent with the government’s longstanding stance. They said his emphasis that “distortion of World War II history will absolutely not be tolerated” was a response to Beijing.
Asian Games bronze medalist Lin Chung-wei takes part in National Day parade for the first time, says with a laugh he never expected to be in a vehicle
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 115th National Day ceremony was held in the plaza in front of the Presidential Office Building, with 41 members of Taiwan’s team at the Nagoya Asian Games taking part in the parade. Track and field bronze medalist Lin Chung-wei participated for the first time, joking that he ended up riding alone in a vehicle after a teammate’s last-minute absence. Hsiao Yu-jan said this was his third time taking part, adding that it was fun and encouraging athletes to keep striving.
Routine maintenance at Caopu Senyong Tunnel on Provincial Highway 9 on the 13th; northbound lanes to close for 4 hours at night
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Routine maintenance of fire safety equipment at Caopu Senyong Tunnel on Provincial Highway 9 will take place on the 13th. Both northbound lanes will be controlled from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.; travelers heading from Pingtung to Taitung are advised to take Provincial Highway 9W instead.
Presidential Office source: ‘City upon a Hill’ comes from the Bible, cited by Kennedy and Reagan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Presidential Office source explained that President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address was themed ‘City upon a Hill,’ an image originating in the Gospel of Matthew that was also cited by former U.S. presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. The speech cast defending democracy as salt that safeguards peace and technological innovation as light shining on the world.
Hsieh Lei, over 80, to perform; singer reflects emotionally on his career: ‘I’m truly happy’
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Golden-voiced singer Hsieh Lei, who is over 80, is set to hold a concert. Looking back on more than 60 years in music and his experiences growing up, he said emotionally, ‘Singing really makes me happy.’ His debut album sold more than a million copies, and its lead track became a classic hit.
U.S. lawmakers back Taiwan at National Day reception hosted by Los Angeles office; director cheers on Dodgers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles held a National Day reception, where U.S. Representatives Young Kim and Judy Chu voiced support for Taiwan. Director Ma Po-yuan brought out a 道奇隊 baseball cap during his remarks to cheer on the home team.
Facts
More than 800 people attended
250th anniversary of the founding of the United States
The 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election
Tsai Ing-wen meets Silicon Valley youth, hopes to deepen two-way technology ties and connect with the next generation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former President Tsai Ing-wen met with young people in Silicon Valley at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, expressing hope for deeper two-way ties between Taiwan and Silicon Valley in technology fields such as semiconductors and AI. She also encouraged young people to bring Taiwan’s experience to the international community.
Facts
San Francisco, dispatch dated the 9th
The new premises, which opened in February last year
Tsai Ing-wen meets with Silicon Valley tech startup figures for 2 consecutive days
U.S., Ukrainian and European officials meet in Miami, push for diplomatic efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S., Ukrainian and European officials met in Miami, pushing for diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said discussions covered energy, grain exports and security arrangements. Trump announced an agreement with Putin on diesel supplies, and the 美國財政部 issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to enter the global market.
Ko Chih-en: Kaohsiung is no fiefdom for any faction; let civil servants handle city affairs professionally
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kuomintang Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en said at a National Day flag-raising ceremony in Guomao Community that Kaohsiung is no fiefdom for any faction. If elected, she would have the civil service handle city affairs professionally, regardless of political affiliation.
Senior official: President’s National Day address shows strategic vision; Taiwan’s outlook differs from Beijing’s
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A senior official said President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address demonstrated strategic vision and highlighted how Taiwan’s outlook differs from Beijing’s. Taiwan has become the world’s 4th-largest stock market and plays a key role in the global high-tech supply chain. The official stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo, honoring international obligations and cooperating with democratic partners.
Trump’s claim that Hillary conspired to defame him dismissed; he appeals to Supreme Court
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to reinstate his defamation lawsuit against Hillary Clinton, which had previously been dismissed by a district court, which also ordered him to pay nearly $1 million in fees and fines.
Hosting Eswatini king, Lin Chia-lung says country will serve as gateway for Taiwanese businesses to expand in Africa
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said at a dinner that the government would help Taiwanese businesses use Eswatini as a gateway to expand further into African markets.
President’s National Day address discusses cross-strait ties; Chinese scholar says regional peace and stability replace one-China framework
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In his National Day address, President Lai Ching-te stressed safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. Chinese scholar Bao Chengke said the Democratic Progressive Party government was handling cross-strait relations by substituting regional peace and stability for the one-China framework.
【Ottocast New Product】Enhanced processing and cooling performance! “Play2Video X” turns your car into an entertainment space for videos and music
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ottocast株式会社 has launched the new “Play2Video X” adapter, featuring enhanced processing and cooling performance, exclusively through its official online store under its in-car electronics brand “Ottocast.”
【Ottocast New Product】New heat-dissipation design enables stable wireless connections for extended periods. New “U2Air Edge” adapter launched
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ottocast株式会社 has launched the new “U2Air Edge” wireless adapter, designed for fast, stable connections, exclusively through its official online store. The product converts wired CarPlay／Android Auto to wireless and features 5GHz Wi-Fi, a 1.2GHz processor, and a new heat-dissipation design.
Japanese premiere of “A Christmas Carol” achieves crowdfunding goal of 5 million yen
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Crowdfunding for the Japanese premiere of the full-length ballet “A Christmas Carol,” organized by 大人バレエアカデミー株式会社 and Alexandrite World株式会社, has reached its 5 million yen goal, and a 7 million yen stretch goal has been set.
Facts
Total funds raised: 5,412,100 yen
Funding target: ¥5,000,000
224 backers
Set a new target (stretch goal) of 7 million yen
Performances have already been arranged for more than 50 children
“Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest 2026” announces second round of event plans, including photo sessions with popular cosplayers, sessions with professional photographers, and a water-spraying experience in collaboration with the Toshima Fire Department
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The second round of event plans has been announced for “Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest 2026,” which 株式会社ドワンゴ and other companies are participating in. Events will include photo sessions supported by Canon Marketing Japan, sessions with professional photographers, a disaster-preparedness experience with the Toshima Fire Department, game booths featuring NTE and Delta Force, and multilingual translation support.
Blu-ray of “Himitsu no Aipri the Movie: Mankai Buzzrium Live!” goes on sale exclusively at Animate on Dec. 2! Includes a gift code for “Eternal Aipri Sakura Pink”! Also comes with bonuses such as L-size photo cards
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アニメイト will sell the Blu-ray of “Himitsu no Aipri the Movie: Mankai Buzzrium Live!” exclusively at Animate starting Dec. 2, 2026. It is priced at 8,800 yen and comes with bonuses including L-size photo cards and a gift code.
Facts
December 2, 2026
8,800 yen (tax included)
Set of 8 L-size photo cards
Set of 4 long photo prints
Companies mentioned：株式会社アニメイト、avex pictures、T-ARTS、AIPRI MOVIE PROJECT
株式会社One Bright KOBE announced that cumulative visitor numbers at the Kobe waterfront facilities “TOTTEI” and “GLION ARENA KOBE” reached 3 million on Oct. 10, 2026. The milestone was achieved about 1 and a half years after opening, and commemorative events, including an awards ceremony and an SNS campaign, are being held.
Facts
Cumulative visitors: 3 million
Recorded 1.62 million visitors annually
After about 1 and a half years (18 months and ６ days) since opening
Opened in April 2025
On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, we reached 3 million cumulative visitors
AI can create designs, but it can’t judge their quality. “AI DESIGN FESTIVAL,” a free online seminar addressing this challenge that drew a total of 5,763 participants over 3 days, will hold an additional wrap-up session on Oct. 10 and 11
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Harukaze announced that it will hold an additional wrap-up session on Oct. 10 and 11 for “AI DESIGN FESTIVAL,” a free online seminar on generative AI design. A total of 5,763 people attended the initial broadcast, held over 3 days, which drew a strong response.
Facts
A total of 5,763 people
Over 3 days
More than 53,000 chat messages
More than 5,300 comments have been posted on X (formerly Twitter)
Yachimun ceramics make a bold statement through form—Matsuda Kengo of Yomitanzan-yaki Kitagama presents solo exhibition “Plain and Arabesque” at IEGNIM in Yoyogi-Uehara
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ロースター will hold “Plain and Arabesque,” a solo exhibition by ceramic artist 松田健悟 of the Matsuda Yoneji workshop at Yomitanzan-yaki Kitagama, at select shop “IEGNIM” in Yoyogi-Uehara from Oct. 11 to 18, 2026.
Silk de River’s 19th anniversary! Receive a limited-edition original tweed bag with a purchase of ¥15,000 or more, including tax
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
シルクドリバー株式会社 will hold its “19th Anniversary Novelty Campaign” on its official online store starting Oct. 9, 2026, to mark the brand’s 19th anniversary. Customers whose purchase total after using points is ¥15,000 or more, including tax, will receive a new color of the original tweed bag.
FlexiSpot launches the Lune Flex electric reclining sofa, combining premium genuine leather with functionality
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Flexispot Japan株式会社 has launched the Lune Flex electric reclining sofa, combining premium genuine leather with functionality. It comes in 4 types, including 2-seat and 3-seat models, with or without a storage table, and features a space-saving design, USB ports and a soft-close function.
Smart hearable device brand セアボル will hold a fall special sale from Oct. 13 to 19, selling 4 AI noise-canceling sound amplifier models at up to 48% off.
Facts
Starting Sunday, Oct. 13
Through Saturday, Oct. 19
4 models in total
Over 20 years
Companies mentioned：UNICE Intelligent Medical Shenzhen Co.,Ltd.、セアボル、Amazon、楽天
[Call for Participants] “Everyday vitality can support us in a crisis”: online session at Bosaikokutai 2026 on Oct. 17
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般社団法人日本オフサイト建築協会 will hold an online session at Bosaikokutai 2026 on Oct. 17, 2026, with the cooperation of Tottori Prefecture’s Hokuei Town. The session will discuss a phase-free model connecting community development in peacetime with recovery in emergencies, drawing on practical examples from 鳥取県北栄町, 山梨県丹波山村 and 株式会社クリエイト礼文.
創作品モールあるる, operated by 株式会社システムリサーチ, surveyed 300 people with online shopping experience about online shopping images. 60.7% said banner images and 65.7% said product images “look clickable,” while displays with text such as “Learn more” were considered the easiest to understand.
Facts
60.7% for banner images
65.7% for product images
Displays with text such as “Learn more” accounted for 55.3%
Plan budgets based on the number of job openings and positions, not planned hires: Fisicom revamps its recruitment marketing cost estimate simulator
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
フィシルコム株式会社 has revamped its recruitment marketing cost estimate simulator, changing it so users can plan budgets based on the number of job openings and positions rather than planned hires.
株式会社ネイティブキャンプ has added a new lesson, “How to never get tired in sports,” to the “Daily Topic” materials on its online English conversation service, ネイティブキャンプ. The lesson teaches how the body supplies energy during exercise in English.
Facts
Instructors from more than 140 countries around the world
A family plan for 1,980 yen (tax included) that the whole family can use
More than 15,000 instructors offering a rich variety from around the world
The 4th Mini Album 『I SPY』 release celebration! A listening party featuring NCT WISH, with exclusive voice messages, to be held at AWA Lounge!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AWA株式会社 will hold a listening party at “AWA Lounge” on Oct. 12, 2026, featuring exclusive voice messages to celebrate the release of NCT WISH’s 4th mini album 『I SPY』.
Like stepping into a picture book! FOSSETTE PRECIA, a new-concept studio where families can enjoy a child’s growth and preserve memories for the future, opens in Rakurakuen, Saeki Ward, with Hiroshima’s first immersive studio that draws visitors into a 360-degree fantasy world!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Photo studio 『フォセットプレシア』, operated by 株式会社スタジオアイ, a group company of 株式会社SAホールディングス, has opened as a new brand in Rakurakuen, Saeki Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and has been renovated into an immersive photo space themed around a “mysterious forest.”
Turning “play” into “exploration”—online club “Digital Manufacturing Club” launches, bringing together peers nationwide; first online event on Oct. 18
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NPO法人デジタルものづくり協議会 launched “Digital Manufacturing Club,” an online club that includes an Education Edition Minecraft license, on Oct. 1, 2026, and will hold its first event on Oct. 18.
Is “unlocking method” all that matters when choosing a smart lock? Chatlock T30 Series focuses on concerns about installation and dead batteries, with advance launch on Makuake
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
チャットロック株式会社 plans to launch its retrofit smart lock, the Chatlock T30 Series, in advance on the support-purchase service Makuake. The lineup includes 3 models with fingerprint recognition, facial recognition and video doorbell functions, and features installation without construction work and solutions for dead batteries.
Sketter partners with Oita Prefecture on a national model project
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社プラスロボ is partnering with Oita Prefecture on a model support project by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and launching the “Care Assistant Utilization Promotion Project.” Model facilities in Oita Prefecture can use the Sketter platform free of charge through next March. The company will also partner with 日本航空 (JAL) starting in February 2026 to award miles to participants.
Special Shinkansen with a “green-covered” interior to run on Saturday, Oct. 10, Eye Care Day; Rohto Pharmaceutical’s world-first!? It’s called the “Eye Green Car”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To mark Eye Care Day on Oct. 10, Rohto Pharmaceutical held a special event called the “Eye Green Car,” decorating some Shinkansen cars in green and giving parents and children an opportunity to think about eye health.
Facts
The internet usage rate among young people aged 10–17 is 99.0%
ALOHA HEART, a heart-shaped rose quartz wishing love and harmony, is a new arrival from Hawaii-based power stone specialty store マルラニハワイ! Available exclusively at the Omotesando store and Osaka ルクアイーレ store
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ALOHA HEART, a heart-shaped rose quartz themed around love and harmony, is a new offering from Hawaii-based power stone specialty store マルラニハワイ. It will be available at the Omotesando store and Osaka ルクアイーレ store.
Free release of the answer guide for the afternoon session of the Reiwa 8 (2026) Land and House Investigator Examination begins at 22:00 on the day of the exam!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社東京法経学院 announced that it will release a free answer guide for the afternoon session of the Reiwa 8 (2026) Land and House Investigator Examination at 22:00 on Oct. 18, the day of the exam.
Students to bring the community and children together at “Nagamachi Yorimichi Halloween”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
尚絅学院大学 will hold “Nagamachi Yorimichi Halloween” at the west exit plaza in front of Nagamachi Station on Oct. 31, 2026. The event will promote community interaction through activities including a walk for elementary school students around the shopping district and workshops.
“A friendly workplace” doesn’t attract applicants—an analysis of 5,578 job listings based on actual data. An era in which abstract terms are not trusted
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
HRShaker, operated by 株式会社Shake, analyzed 5,578 job listings from 107 client companies using actual data, showing that listings with specific figures and facts attract more applicants than those using abstract expressions such as “a friendly workplace.”
An extraordinary experience, as if under a spell. “Christmas and Princess Dress Fair” to be held for a limited time at a café produced by PLACOLE＆DRESSY
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
冒険社プラコレ will hold the “Christmas and Princess Dress Fair” for a limited time at its produced café, DRESSY CAFE, from Nov. 6 to Dec. 28, 2026. New menu items themed around Christmas, including croffle plates, afternoon tea and parfaits, will be offered at its locations in Osaka, Nagoya and Kamakura.
[Free webinar] Explaining M&A and investment strategies following the upgrade of the Vietnamese stock market
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ONE-VALUE株式会社 will hold a free online webinar on Dec. 17, 2026, explaining M&A and investment strategies following Vietnam’s entry into the emerging-market category.
ORICO announces a GaN-powered, PD65W-compatible 7-in-1 travel power strip—ideal for business trips and travel, with a retractable cord, slim plug, simultaneous charging for up to 7 devices, PSE certification and an 18-month warranty
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ORICO has announced a GaN-powered, PD65W-compatible 7-in-1 travel power strip. It features a retractable cord and slim plug, is PSE-certified and comes with an 18-month warranty. A limited-time campaign is currently underway on Amazon.
[16-minute walk from Maebashi Station] Storage unit facility “スペラボ前橋南町店” to open on Nov. 1, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“スペラボ前橋南町店,” a storage unit facility operated by 株式会社UKCorporation, will open on Nov. 1, 2026. Located a 16-minute walk from Maebashi Station, it is currently offering a special discount campaign for individuals and businesses.
【BESTNET-GSERVER】Dedicated Project Zomboid servers renewed—now supporting Build 42, with Build 41 also available. From ¥980 per month (¥1,078 including tax; before tax)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BESTNET-GSERVER, operated by ベストネット合同会社, renewed its dedicated Project Zomboid servers on Oct. 9, 2026, making stable Build 42 the standard while also offering Build 41 as an option. Plans start at ¥980 per month, with no initial fee or cancellation fee.
Facts
Renewed on Oct. 9, 2026
The major update, Build 42, is now the standard
The previous version, Build 41, can also be selected in the game panel
The 2 ports required for the game
From ¥980 per month (¥1,078 including tax; before tax)
Released as a stable version on July 29, 2026
The map area has expanded to 2 times the size of Build 41
Maximum player capacity is 4 for Small, 8 for Medium and 16 for Large
Backups can be created and restored from the game panel, with up to 3 generations stored
Available in 5 languages: Japanese, English, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese
【Real Estate Transaction Specialist Exam】Mix subjects when solving problems: “Improve your knowledge accuracy with interleaving exercises!” Practice videos are also available on YouTube!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社夢来備人 offers “interleaving exercises,” a study method that mixes questions from different fields, through its real estate transaction specialist web app, 宅スマ. The service is available for 440 yen per month, and related videos are also available on YouTube.
Could the Taoyuan mayoral race see a shake-up? ‘Who is more likely to win, Chang San-cheng or Huang Shih-chieh?’ Latest online poll results revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
壹蘋新聞網 released the results of an online poll conducted 7 weeks before the Taoyuan mayoral election. DPP candidate Huang Shih-chieh led KMT candidate Chang San-cheng with 50.8% of the vote to 47.7%, with 5,078 participants in total.
Facts
The online poll on the Taoyuan mayoral race by 壹蘋新聞網, which closed on Oct. 9, 2026, drew 5,078 participants.
DPP candidate Huang Shih-chieh received 2,578 votes in the poll, for a vote share of 50.8%.
KMT candidate Chang San-cheng received 2,423 votes in the poll, for a vote share of 47.7%.
A total of 77 participants had yet to decide whom to support, accounting for 1.5% of all votes.
The survey covered all 22 counties and cities in Taiwan, with a sampling population of 19.19 million internet users in Taiwan.
The nine-in-one local elections will be held on Nov. 28, and the Taoyuan mayoral race is gradually heating up.
In the poll taken 7 weeks before the election, Huang Shih-chieh led Chang San-cheng by 3.1 percentage points.
Lai invokes ‘City upon a Hill’ in National Day address; Huang Kuo-chang laments ‘he can’t see the suffering of people below’: Power is not for you to abuse and rule dictatorially
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang criticized Lai Ching-te’s National Day address for failing to respond to the party’s 6 proposals and the public’s cost-of-living pressures, saying it used slogans to cover up problems. Huang questioned the president’s disregard for the suffering of ordinary people and accused the ruling party of undermining unity by pushing a sweeping recall campaign. He urged the government to address disputes over social housing, the judiciary and law enforcement.
Facts
President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day address on the 10th.
Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang criticized Lai Ching-te’s National Day address in a Facebook post.
Huang Kuo-chang criticized Lai Ching-te for failing to respond to the 6 proposals put forward by the Taiwan People’s Party recently.
Huang Kuo-chang accused the ruling party’s push for a sweeping recall campaign and DPP lawmakers’ ‘red-baiting witch hunts’ of undermining unity.
Huang Kuo-chang retorted that the power entrusted to the people is not for abuse or dictatorial rule.
Huang Kuo-chang criticized the address for failing to explain the controversy over laws passed by the legislature in third reading being ‘not promulgated, not implemented and not countersigned.’
Soaring oil prices fuel energy subsidy surge; Indonesia fears fiscal deficit will exceed target, sharply cuts travel budgets across agencies
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
International oil price hikes have driven up Indonesia’s energy subsidies. To control the deficit, the Finance Ministry has mandated a 30% cut in travel budgets and frozen non-urgent spending, while also planning to tax sugar-sweetened drinks to raise revenue.
Facts
Indonesia’s Finance Ministry has told government departments to mandatorily cut 30% of their unused official travel budgets.
As of the end of September, Indonesia’s fiscal deficit had widened to 1.24% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Indonesia’s energy subsidies and compensation totaled 377 trillion rupiah in the first 3 quarters, surging more than 50% from the same period in 2025.
Indonesia’s average crude oil price has surged to $92 per barrel, exceeding the $70 benchmark set in the budget.
The Indonesian government plans to impose an excise tax on domestically sold sugary drinks starting in the second half of 2027.
Three layers of meaning in the president’s National Day address: Senior security official says it reflects a different vision from Beijing and echoes the Trump-Xi meeting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A senior security official analyzed the three layers of meaning in Lai Ching-te’s 115 National Day address: projecting a confident international outlook distinct from Beijing’s, echoing the Trump-Xi meeting while upholding post-World War II norms of freedom and peace, and demonstrating Taiwan’s strategic resolve to ensure regional security.
Facts
President Lai Ching-te delivered his National Day address on the morning of the 10th, in the 3rd year since taking office. Its theme was “Taiwan: A City on a Hill, the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World.”
A senior security official said the first layer of meaning in Lai Ching-te’s address was its presentation of an international outlook distinct from that of the Beijing authorities.
The official contrasted Beijing’s immersion in the self-image of “the East rising and the West declining” with Taiwan’s positioning of itself as a confident, responsible rising nation.
Last month, Taiwan became the world’s 4th-largest stock market and cemented its key role in the global high-tech supply chain.
Lai Ching-te reiterated that Taiwan would continue working with the international community to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific.
The official said Taiwan, as a responsible actor, plays a strategic role in working with its allies to build effective deterrence.
What is that 1 orange thing by the highway? It’s not a speed camera! Insiders reveal its real purpose: Many drivers don’t know they can use it, even after years on the road
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An orange emergency phone device spotted by a netizen on a highway sparked discussion. It is not a speed camera or an entertainment facility, but a tool for calling for help that connects to the Freeway Bureau’s traffic control center.
Facts
The orange device by the highway is an emergency phone, with a telephone symbol printed on its surface.
Picking up the receiver of a highway emergency phone connects directly to the traffic control center of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Freeway Bureau.
Highway emergency phones are used to report vehicle breakdowns or accidents, or to call for emergency assistance.
The discussion took place in the Facebook group “路上觀察學院”.
Before mobile phones became widely available, people involved in a crash or stranded by a breakdown could use roadside emergency phones to call for help.
Han Kuo-yu goes off script at National Day event, raises mass recall and countersignature issue; Presidential Office sources criticize him as “an international laughingstock”: “We apologize to foreign guests”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu went off script in his National Day address, criticizing conflicts between the executive and legislature and calling out President Lai Ching-te. Presidential Office sources slammed his conduct as inappropriate and an international embarrassment. Lai, meanwhile, used a statesmanlike address to emphasize unity and respect for institutions.
Facts
During his address as the ceremony’s presiding officer at the National Day celebration, Han Kuo-yu departed from the final draft provided by the organizing committee in the latter half of his speech, expressing 3 wishes: a safe Taiwan, a prosperous people and long live democracy.
Han Kuo-yu urged political party leaders to stop adding fuel to the fire over national identity and ideology, and said President Lai Ching-te should be named and called on to compromise to resolve executive-legislative conflicts.
Presidential Office sources harshly criticized Han Kuo-yu’s conduct as inappropriate and an international embarrassment, saying they felt sorry for the overseas guests attending the National Day celebration.
In his National Day address today, Lai Ching-te responded in a more “statesmanlike” manner, referring to selecting capable leaders without yielding to threats or inducements, respecting one another and trusting the system.
Han Kuo-yu said that if the premier refused to countersign laws passed by the Legislative Yuan in 3 readings, teachers would not know how to teach the Constitution.
Be careful when packing souvenirs for your trip abroad! Bringing 1 item into Taiwan, whether in checked or carry-on baggage, could result in a “NT$1 million fine”; customs will immediately confiscate and destroy it
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Travel blogger 莉雅 reminded travelers to carefully check food ingredient labels when buying souvenirs abroad, especially for meat products, meat-containing snacks, fruit and plants, and items with unclear ingredients, to avoid hefty fines for bringing prohibited goods into the country.
Facts
Bringing pork products into the country in violation of the rules can incur a maximum fine of NT$200,000 for a first offense and up to NT$1 million for a subsequent offense.
Meat jerky, pork floss, sausages, ham and other processed meat products are items to pay particular attention to when shopping abroad.
Some foods may not be primarily meat products but may contain meat chunks, meat juices or other meat ingredients.
Fruit, plants, seeds and some agricultural products may also be subject to plant quarantine, and import requirements vary by product.
Ground crew member and travel blogger 莉雅 used her Facebook page “克米＆莉雅｜最後登機廣播” to remind travelers to check the ingredients in their souvenirs.
Trump asked Ukraine 6 times to stop bombing Russian refineries, to no avail; U.S. media: Trump went straight to Putin to negotiate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. President Donald Trump reached a diesel supply agreement with Russia and suspended related sanctions in an effort to lower fuel prices at home. The move was said to follow Ukraine’s disregard of repeated U.S. requests to stop attacking Russian refineries, drawing strong disapproval from Kyiv.
Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Russia for Moscow to supply hundreds of thousands of metric tons of diesel.
The U.S. measures include suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports for about 6 months.
Trump said Russia would supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the United States and global markets.
U.S. officials familiar with the matter said Trump decided to reach a diesel deal with Russia because Ukraine ignored 6 U.S. requests to stop attacking Russian refineries.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the U.S.-Russia diesel deal as unfair and dishonest.
No Tiger or 太和工房 water bottle! Insiders are switching to 1 brand for its excellent heat and cold retention, durability and easy cleaning: “It still works great after 10 years”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Yahoo購物中心 released its water bottle sales rankings, with 象印’s ultralight flip-top insulated mug taking the top spot, highlighting the practical strengths of Japanese brands. IP collaboration products, including the Buderus and SNOOPY lines, also performed well, reflecting demand for products that combine character appeal and functionality.
Facts
The top seller in Yahoo購物中心’s water bottle and drinkware rankings was 象印’s ultralight flip-top stainless steel vacuum-insulated mug, which keeps drinks hot or cold.
象印 was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1918.
A German Buderus tumbler made in collaboration with 三麗鷗 ranked 2nd in sales.
A U.S. Corning Snapware insulated mug made in collaboration with SNOOPY ranked 3rd in sales.
One netizen said their 象印 insulated mug had been in use for nearly 10 years and that its coating and insulation were still in good condition.
Netizens describe Tiger’s Mugen Gravity water bottle as extremely light, saying it feels about as light in the hand as an empty bottle.
太和工房’s negative-ion water bottle was described as extremely durable; one person said their child had dropped it many times at school without breaking it.
Han Kuo-yu isn’t the only one to deliver a fiery off-script speech! Ko Wen-je’s 3 National Day wishes “warn” the Lai government: “Taiwanese people live in fear and hatred”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Ko Wen-je, founding chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party, published a lengthy post on Double Tenth National Day criticizing severe wealth inequality and democratic backsliding in Taiwan. He presented 3 wishes for the Lai Ching-te government: improve wealth distribution, establish the rule of law and end internal strife.
Facts
Ko Wen-je published a lengthy post on Facebook on Double Tenth National Day, criticizing the fact that Taiwanese people live in fear and hatred.
The income gap between Taiwan’s wealthiest 5% of households and its poorest 5% is as high as 150 times.
Original台灣人均GDP達3萬3000美元，全球排名第34。
Ko Wen-je listed 3 wishes, including not letting people struggle amid unfair wealth distribution.
New rules at 1 Taiwan bank take effect from 10/13! “You may not realize there’s money in your account but be unable to withdraw it”: The deadline is sharply shortened under new withdrawal rules at 16 banks and post offices
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
To prevent fraud, 永豐銀行 and 台灣企銀 have successively shortened the validity periods for cardless withdrawal codes. The former cut its period to 5 minutes starting in October, while the latter plans to reduce it to 10 minutes at the end of November. Most other banks currently set limits of 10 to 15 minutes.
Facts
Starting Oct. 13, 2026, 永豐銀行 will shorten the validity period for cardless withdrawal codes from 30 minutes to 5 minutes, and reduce the QR Code validity period from 2 minutes to 1 minute。
台灣企銀 plans to shorten the validity period for cardless withdrawal codes from 30 minutes to 10 minutes by the end of November 2026。
Among state-owned banks, 臺灣銀行, 土地銀行, 合作金庫銀行 and 華南銀行 currently set the validity period for withdrawal codes at 15 minutes。
中華郵政’s cardless withdrawal codes are valid for 15 minutes.
To accommodate a system upgrade, 永豐銀行 will update ATMs across Taiwan in phases from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16, 2026。
兆豐銀行, 彰化銀行 and 第一銀行 set the validity period for withdrawal codes at 10 minutes。
Trump furious, posts lengthy rant！Snubbed for Nobel Peace Prize, claims Taiwan avoided war thanks to him
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. President Donald Trump complained in a social media post after missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize again, accusing the committee of favoring a female United Nations laureate. He touted his role in mediating 8 wars and preventing conflict between China and Taiwan, and criticized what he called the corruption of the prize by radical ideology。
Facts
Trump claimed he successfully mediated 8 wars during his time in office and deserved 8 Nobel Peace Prizes。
Trump said China and Taiwan have not gone to war because of his influence and that of the United States。
Trump claimed he had raised NATO countries’ defense spending as a share of gross domestic product from 2% to 5%。
Trump said he had brought 196 hostages home from around the world without paying ransom。
Han Kuo-yu raises refusal to countersign on National Day, warns of “fake democracy, real dictatorship”；Executive Yuan swiftly responds: Constitutional mechanisms should not be stigmatized
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In his National Day address, Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu criticized the current standoff between the legislative and executive branches, warning it could turn Taiwan into a “fake democracy, real dictatorship.” The Executive Yuan later stressed that the power to refuse to countersign is intended to safeguard constitutional order and opposed stigmatizing constitutional mechanisms through political sparring。
Facts
In his National Day address, Han Kuo-yu criticized last year’s mass recall campaign as political persecution and said this year had brought a crisis over the Executive Yuan’s refusal to countersign legislation passed by the Legislative Yuan。
Han Kuo-yu urged President Lai Ching-te to resolve the standoff between the legislative and executive branches, warning that otherwise Taiwan’s democracy would be seen as fake democracy and real dictatorship。
Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Hui-chih said that when amendments depart from constitutional order and democratic principles, the Executive Yuan must take passive defensive action to uphold the Constitution。
Of the 8 cases in which the Executive Yuan previously refused to countersign, 3 were aimed at preventing political parties, the government and the military from interfering in the media。
Of the 8 cases in which the Executive Yuan previously refused to countersign, 1 sought to decriminalize the fraudulent claiming of assistants’ expenses。
Han Kuo-yu delivered an approximately 17-minute National Day address, with nearly 9 minutes in the latter half departing from the published text。
The Executive Yuan said 2 cases involved refusing to countersign amendments that were unconstitutional because they changed the law for specific cases and violated Constitutional Court interpretations。
Chang Chia-chun joins Yunlin National Day flag-raising walk, welcomes Double Ten Day with local residents
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Yunlin County mayoral candidate and Legislator Chang Chia-chun attended the “2026 Double Ten National Day Walk Together GO” flag-raising walk, jointly organized by the Yunlin County Government and Douliu City Office, on Double Ten Day. She joined County Magistrate Chang Li-shan and local residents in raising the flag and singing the national anthem to celebrate the Republic of China’s birthday, and took the opportunity to promote the Yunlin International Puppet Festival。
Facts
Chang Chia-chun attended the “2026 Double Ten National Day Walk Together GO” flag-raising walk organized by the Yunlin County Government and Douliu City Office on Double Ten Day
Limited-edition National Day towels, flag pinwheels and other souvenirs were prepared at the event and given free to participants
Chang Li-shan said this was the last time she would host a National Day flag-raising ceremony as county magistrate
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu gave Yunlin the opportunity to host the National Day fireworks show the year before last
Original矽品精密行政長簡坤義認為雲林不缺水、不缺電、不缺土地、也不缺人才
Han Kuo-yu described Yunlin as being like the Wudang school, with the potential to catch up from behind
Chang Chia-chun promoted the Yunlin International Puppet Festival at the event and invited the public to visit Yunlin during the National Day holiday
Hsu Hsin-ying rushes between 2 National Day flag-raising ceremonies：Passing on democracy and freedom, building transparent government
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hsu Hsin-ying, the KMT’s Hsinchu County mayoral candidate, attended 2 flag-raising ceremonies on National Day, calling for the passing on of democracy and freedom and the creation of transparent government. She also criticized unconstitutional actions by the central ruling party and proposed a vision of making Hsinchu the world’s Hakka cultural capital。
Facts
Hsu Hsin-ying attended 2 Double Ten National Day flag-raising ceremonies on the day, first at the Hsinchu County Government and then at the parade ground at Donghukou Camp。
Hsu Hsin-ying said the Republic of China’s birth 115 years ago embodied the ideal of a nation, and that democracy, freedom and peace must now be passed on。
Hsu Hsin-ying criticized the DPP, which now governs at the central level, for completely disregarding the Constitution, saying the budget frozen by the Legislative Yuan could still be spent in full。
Hsu Hsin-ying vowed to make Hsinchu County the “world’s Hakka cultural capital。”
Hsinchu County Council Speaker Chang Chen-jung and Legislator Lin Szu-ming strongly urged support for Hsu Hsin-ying and all KMT-nominated candidates in their remarks。
The flag-raising ceremony in front of the parade ground at Donghukou Camp has long been organized by civic and local groups, and is highly unifying。
Hsu Hsin-ying hopes Hsinchu County will become a warm, caring, long-lived and healthy city to live in。
President’s National Day address vows to build a city on a hill, focusing on economic performance and shared prosperity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
In his Double Ten National Day address, President Lai Ching-te pledged to build a “city on a hill,” focusing on Taiwan’s economic performance and sharing its gains with all. He said economic growth reached 14% to 15% in the first half of the year and could exceed 11% for the full year, while the Taiwan stock index surged to 49,000 points. He also stressed that next year’s defense budget would exceed NT$1 trillion for the first time, and that initiatives in drones, domestically made aircraft and domestically built warships would strengthen self-defense capabilities. He reiterated his position on maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait。
Facts
Original今（2026）年共有7個外賓慶賀團前來
In the first half of this year alone, the latest economic growth rate reached 14%
15%
The full-year economic growth rate is also expected to exceed 11%
A 39-year high
Taiwan’s stock index surged to 49,000 points
Next year’s defense budget will exceed NT$1 trillion for the first time
Back-to-back magnitude 7.7 and 6.6 earthquakes rock Panama, with strong shaking felt across several Latin American countries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Magnitude 7.7 and 6.6 earthquakes struck central Panama, at a depth of 12.6 kilometers, causing strong shaking in Panama City, the capital, and areas including Coclé Province. Residents evacuated urgently. Strict building regulations are in place, and no major casualties have been reported so far。
Pingtung’s Wandan mud volcano erupts for the 3rd time this year；village chief lights fire to accelerate eruption and reduce crop damage
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A mud volcano in Wandan, Pingtung, erupted for the 3rd time this year in the early hours of National Day, damaging red bean fields. The local village chief set a fire to speed up the eruption and reduce crop losses. The county government said subsidies ranging from NT$28,000 to NT$100,000 per hectare may be available under the flood relief program。
Facts
There were 4 eruption vents this time
They have been growing for 20 days
The relief available is actually NT$28,000 per hectare
Traffic surges in both directions on highways on 2nd day of long weekend；高公局 urges drivers to stagger travel
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Traffic built up on highways and high-speed rail on the 2nd day of the National Day holiday. 高公局 urged road users to spread out across routes such as Provincial Highways 61 and 63, and imposed closures on some sections and high-occupancy vehicle controls. High-speed rail added 92 extra services to handle the crowds。