EarFun Wave Pro X ANC headphones with custom-developed dual drivers launched
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
EarFun Technology has launched the EarFun Wave Pro X, Hi-Res-compatible ANC headphones featuring its custom-developed DCAA coaxial dual drivers and hybrid ANC technology. Equipped with a Qualcomm QCC3095 chip, they support high-quality codecs such as LDAC and aptX Lossless and offer up to 90 hours of battery life.
Facts
Retailer information is current as of October 2026
Exhibiting at “North Kyoto Digital Park 2026”; showcasing “eformsign,” an AI-powered administrative DX solution for local governments
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
日本フォーシーエス株式会社 will exhibit at “North Kyoto Digital Park 2026,” held in Fukuchiyama from October 29 to 30, 2026, and showcase “eformsign,” an AI-powered administrative DX solution for local governments.
Plastic recycling company esa raises total funding to 1.15 billion yen; under the banner “With Plastic,” it accelerates stable supply of composite recycled pellets and development of new applications
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社esa raised funds from 4 companies, including Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, bringing its total funding to 1.15 billion yen. The company will accelerate the stable supply of composite recycled pellets and development of new applications using its proprietary “esa method” technology.
Facts
Total funding reaches 1.15 billion yen
Companies mentioned：株式会社ｅｓａ、三菱UFJ信託銀行株式会社、三菱UFJキャピタル株式会社、株式会社環境エネルギー投資、株式会社SG Wonder zone
[Registration open for Oct. 16 (Fri.)] How far should AI be entrusted with handling inquiries? Free online seminar for customer service staff on learning implementation steps from success and failure cases
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社コマースロボティクス will hold a free online seminar on October 16, 2026, for customer service staff at e-commerce, logistics and BtoB SaaS businesses, explaining success and failure cases in AI-powered inquiry response and the steps for implementation.
Facts
Friday, October 16, 2026
13:15～14:00
Explained in 45 minutes
Monthly fee: 20,000 yen
Free for 30 days
Companies mentioned：株式会社コマースロボティクス、Microsoft Teams
“XR Center” in Nakano Broadway extends its opening hours from October 19!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社日本XRセンター will change the opening hours of “XR Center Game Space Nakano Store” in Nakano Broadway from October 19, 2026, opening 1 hour earlier on weekdays and closing 1 hour later on Saturdays.
Dreame joins Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, with up to 50% off popular appliances including robot vacuums; early sale starts October 13
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Smart home appliance brand Dreame Technology Japan株式会社 will participate in “Prime Big Deal Days,” a sale exclusive to Amazon Prime members, offering up to 50% off eligible products including robot vacuums. The early sale begins October 13, 2026.
ECOVACS offers up to 64% off during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, featuring popular robot vacuums and window-cleaning robots
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ECOVACS Japan will offer special prices of up to 64% off on eligible products, including the DEEBOT robot vacuum series and the WINBOT mini 2 window-cleaning robot, during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, running from October 13 to 19, 2026.
Have you considered the reasons people might not buy your product? “Persona AI,” which enables simultaneous questioning, comparison and in-depth follow-up with 100 AI personas, officially launches
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
シースリーレーヴ株式会社 officially launched “Persona AI,” a research service that enables simultaneous questioning, comparison and in-depth follow-up with AI personas of different attributes, on October 13, 2026.
Satoshi Kawaguchi, president of 株式会社リーピー, spoke at a recruitment seminar hosted by 碧南商工会議所. He explained recruitment strategies to help regional companies attract talent, noting that “recruitment struggles stem not from a company’s appeal, but from structural problems.”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Satoshi Kawaguchi, representative director of 株式会社リーピー, spoke at a recruitment seminar hosted by 碧南商工会議所, explaining strategies to address hiring difficulties at regional companies.
“COCO VILLA,” a private sauna-equipped rental lodging facility, installs “Jackery 2000 New” portable power stations in all 29 properties across 14 prefectures nationwide｜Prepare for possible power outages and disasters at unmanned villas
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Jackery 2000 New” portable power stations have been installed at all 29 properties of “COCO VILLA,” a private sauna-equipped rental lodging facility operated by ココザス株式会社, across 14 prefectures nationwide.
Facts
14 prefectures nationwide
All 29 properties
Capacity: 2042Wh
Approximately 80 smartphone charges
Approximately 24 laptop charges
Up to 7 devices
Rated output: 2,200 W
Peak output of 4400W
Approximately 30 cm on each side
Weighs approximately 18 kg
Approximately 4,000 charge-discharge cycles
Cumulative worldwide sales have exceeded 7 million units
[Nextorage Imaging Products Sale Information] Notice of Participation in Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nextorage株式会社 will participate in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, offering products such as CFexpress memory cards and Thunderbolt 5 cables at discounted prices.
10 days to go! Spend 3 autumn days exploring sweet potatoes. “Oimo Fest FUJICITY 2026” opens October 23 at Fuji Central Park
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社nonii will hold “Oimo Fest FUJICITY 2026” for the first time at Fuji Central Park in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, starting October 23, 2026. The event will bring together 16 sweet potato shops from across Japan, with plans for tasting roasted sweet potatoes and sweets, an activity area, and entertainment by ラジオエフ.
Facts
Original2026年10月23日（金）〜25日（日）
16 locations nationwide
The price is 450 yen (tax included)
Save 50 yen compared with tickets purchased on the day
The refreshing flavor with the rich sweetness of apples and a hint of ginger returns: Red Bull Energy Drink Apple Edition goes on sale October 20 (Tuesday)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
レッドブル・ジャパン株式会社 will begin selling “Red Bull Energy Drink Apple Edition” on October 20, 2026, and will run a collaborative campaign with Symphonic Live.
株式会社紀ノ國屋 will release the neon-colored “Square Mini Pouch” in 4 colors on its official online store starting October 14, 2026, and in stores starting October 15.
[Targeting the 2027 exam] Comprehensive lectures for the certified clinical psychologist qualification exam now available!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アガルート has released a comprehensive lecture course for the certified clinical psychologist qualification exam, targeting the 2027 exam. It offers materials focused on A-rank knowledge based on analysis of past exams, along with compact video lectures designed for short periods of free time, as well as pass-related benefits and various discount programs.
Facts
【2027 Exam Goal】
Across all 6 chapters below
Original1チャプターあたりの時間を5分から20分程度と短くし
The total lecture time is also kept compact at about 21 hours
Acclaim pours in from across the industry for the first novel in 7 years by Nagazono Yasuhiro, founding editor-in-chief of “Da Vinci”! “Manoura Pilgrimage,” a story of a father and child transcending time and space, goes on sale October 13
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kawade Shobo Shinsha will publish “Manoura Pilgrimage,” the latest novel by author Nagazono Yasuhiro in 7 years, on October 13, 2026. This story of a father and child transcending time and space has drawn acclaim from across the industry.
First performers announced for the “2026 MAMA AWARDS”! Japanese special website also launches today
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CJ ENM has announced the first performing artists for the “2026 MAMA AWARDS,” which will be held at Kyocera Dome Osaka on November 20 and 21, 2026, and has launched a Japanese special website. Visa is the title sponsor, and the event is scheduled to be streamed on Mnet Plus and Mnet Japan, among other platforms.
Photo studio “aim東京原宿店” is running a solo wedding photography campaign with 3 slots remaining through the end of November. The offer includes 1 free dress with an album plan booking.
Facts
3 slots remaining
¥49,800 (tax included)
165,000 yen (tax included)
~2026.11.30
Companies mentioned：有限会社三景スタジオ、aim東京原宿店、SACHIKO TSUTSUI、SERINA BRIDAL、ISAMU MORITA BRIDE、KIYOKO HATA
[Highly anticipated release] Star Wars: The High Republic Phase 2 finally concludes! A “radical doctrine” shakes the Jedi of the Golden Age, as 2 girls set out on a path of revenge
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Gakken, a group company of 株式会社学研ホールディングス, will release the two-volume set “Star Wars: The High Republic — Path of Vengeance” on October 15, 2026. It is the conclusion of Phase 2 of “The High Republic” series, a YA novel set during the Jedi Golden Age.
Facts
Oct. 15, 2026
1,760 yen each (tax included)
150 years ago
Capital: 50 million yen
Sales of 199.1 billion yen for the fiscal year ended September 2025
Rikuto Morimoto’s calendar starting in April 2027 confirmed! It captures a range of expressions, from fresh and down-to-earth to strikingly mature
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA has announced that it will release a calendar for actor Rikuto Morimoto, starting in April 2027, on January 29, 2027. Morimoto turns 18 in May 2027, and the calendar captures his growth. A release event will also be held.
Surfshark achieves a fully post-quantum-ready WireGuard implementation
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Surfshark has completed a WireGuard implementation supporting post-quantum cryptography (ML-KEM and ML-DSA), achieving what it calls the industry's first complete post-quantum security. Aside from Google Cloud KMS and AWS KMS, major tech companies have yet to enable this technology in software for mainstream users.
A moving story that drew 320,000 views on YouTube last year is becoming a feature film after starting as a short! “Hana’s Santa” opens Nov. 13. Former Hikaru GENJI member Mikio Osawa returns to film for the first time in 10 years
“Failure White Paper 2026” released on Failure Day: 70% said people around them who made mistakes were not blamed, while 27% said Japanese society is tolerant of failure
Developed by isVIT株式会社. Agreement reached to use “TERRA-MICHI,” an AI tool that reads land and envisions the future, in an urban development plan in Kandal Province, Cambodia.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
isVIT株式会社 has signed an MOU with the administrative authorities of Kandal Province, Cambodia, for an urban development plan using “TERRA-MICHI,” an AI tool for land development.
Accelerating the building of credibility after fundraising. Athlete Japan launches a special “athlete likeness subscription” package for fast-growing startups
フィード株式会社 launches “Marugoto DX Security,” a security service for businesses
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
フィード株式会社 began offering “Marugoto DX Security,” a security service for businesses, on Oct. 13, 2026. The service provides end-to-end support, from vulnerability assessments of web applications and APIs to considering remediation policies, implementation and follow-up assessments. As data breaches increase in Japan and AI automates attacks, the company is strengthening security measures and operational support for businesses.
Facts
We began offering “Marugoto DX Security,” a security service for businesses, on Oct. 13, 2026.
株式会社タケノ will open the first Tokyo location of its Hakata-born yakitori restaurant 竹乃屋 in Ikebukuro, with 竹乃屋 Links Ikebukuro set to open on Oct. 28, 2026.
Facts
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Prepared over 72 hours
A comfortable space with 48 seats
Original1本209円（税込）
5-skewer set: 1,045 yen (tax included)
10-skewer set: 1,980 yen (tax included)
Sells 800,000 skewers per month
3-variety whale sashimi platter: 1,089 yen (tax included)
Motsunabe, 1 serving (soy sauce, miso or mentaiko): 1,859 yen (tax included)
PGT HOLDINGS group company JAVICO listed on Vietnam’s provisional sending-organization list for the employment-for-skills-development program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
JAVICO, part of the PGT HOLDINGS group, has been listed on Vietnam’s provisional sending-organization list for the employment-for-skills-development program and will begin accepting inquiries from Japanese companies on Oct. 13, 2026.
Facts
Starting October 13, 2026
OTIT No. VNM000182
Operations will begin on April 1, 2027
Around 2,500 people annually hoping to work in Japan
Up to 20% off during the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale! Deals on ESR Qi2.2 chargers and accessories for Apple devices
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Technology accessories brand ESR will hold an Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale from Oct. 13 to 19, 2026, offering accessories for Apple devices such as iPhone and iPad at up to 20% off.
[New product] Ultra-compact—“even smaller than the palm of your hand”! New wireless earbuds with an LCD digital display showing battery level and IPX5 water resistance for everyday use
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社磁気研究所 will launch the “HD-TWSX5D01 Series” wireless earbuds in October 2026. The ultra-compact earbuds feature IPX5 water resistance for everyday use, an LCD digital battery-level display and Bluetooth Ver. 6.0 support.
You Yutang's view: Arms-purchase weapons depend on Trump's goodwill; defense self-reliance depends on the minister's wisdom
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Retired Major General You Yutang criticized the current “arms purchases first” policy for crowding out defense self-reliance. He said insufficient U.S. production capacity had delayed arms purchases, and that an imbalanced budget could lead to talent loss and gaps in the industry. He called for greater attention to the long-term development of defense technology.
Facts
Insufficient capacity in the U.S. defense industry has left NT$688 billion in arms sales to Taiwan undelivered.
In 1982, Chiang Ching-kuo instructed officials to advance the 三彈一機 research and development program.
During Tsai Ing-wen's presidency, the budget for the defense advanced technology research program grew from NT$49.5 million to NT$980 million.
After President Lai took office, the budget ratio for arms purchases versus domestic production changed to 63% to 37%.
The budget ceiling for the Special Act on Enhancing Maritime and Aerial Combat Capabilities is NT$240 billion.
Shu Shimei's view: Should we make our own choices, or let choices happen on their own?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Shu Shimei wrote an opinion piece examining Taiwan's dilemmas under the current geopolitical landscape. She argued that Taiwan should move beyond the unification-versus-independence binary and carefully weigh the costs of peace talks and military deterrence. She also stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Taiwan's people through institutionalized negotiations.
Facts
Taiwan-U.S. military cooperation is deepening, and Taiwan's security policy is moving toward stronger military deterrence and preparations for the worst-case scenario.
U.S. law requires the provision to Taiwan of defense articles and services necessary to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.
The United States uses strategic ambiguity to leave Beijing uncertain about whether it would intervene directly in a conflict across the Taiwan Strait.
Mainland China regards “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems” as the basic approach to resolving the Taiwan issue.
The white paper calls for further improving cross-strait economic cooperation mechanisms after reunification, making full use of the mainland market and the complementary strengths of industries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Lin Teng-yao's view: Taiwan-style democracy has raised a nest of constitutional mice, gnawing through the bag of popular sovereignty
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lin Teng-yao, a retired law professor at Tunghai University, wrote that the Lai Ching-te government had triggered multiple constitutional controversies, including the premier's refusal to countersign legislation, delays in appointments of grand justices and the prosecutor-general, and problems involving enormous outsourced budgets and fiscal discipline. He accused officials of acting like “constitutional mice” eroding popular sovereignty.
Facts
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu set out 三 wishes in his Double Ten National Day address and warned of the risks of confrontation between the executive and legislative branches.
Cho Jung-tai has repeatedly refused to countersign laws passed in their third reading by the Legislative Yuan, triggering constitutional controversy.
Former Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching was fined 十萬元 for violating conflict-of-interest recusal rules and resigned.
Outsourcing fees account for more than 八成 of the Digital Industry Agency's 一一五年度 work plan to promote digital innovation and drive transformation and upgrading.
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics of the Executive Yuan forecast economic growth of 百分之十一點零五 this year, but the consumer price index has risen markedly.
After the Legislative Yuan rejected grand justice nominees twice, President Lai Ching-te has yet to submit new nominations.
A poll released by Tai Li-an in late September showed Lai Ching-te's approval rating at 百分之五十一點四.
Wang Chih-hsiung's view: Hsu Chia-ching resigned, so what about Wu Chih-chung?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching resigned amid multiple controversies over misuse of public funds and conflicts of interest, but Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung, who defended her, remains in office. The author criticized Wu's “mother argument” for masking privilege, questioned his qualifications to remain in office, and challenged the impartiality of the official fact-checking.
Facts
Overseas Community Affairs Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching's resignation was approved on the seventh.
During her tenure, Hsu Chia-ching made 48 overseas trips totaling 536 days and spent NT$23.83 million in public funds.
The Control Yuan found that Hsu Chia-ching's Dongsha camp violated conflict-of-interest recusal rules and fined her 十萬元.
Wu Chih-chung told the Legislative Yuan that people should understand Hsu Chia-ching's responsibility as a mother to care for her children.
An Executive Yuan spokesperson said the Foreign Ministry was still verifying the allegations.
He Qisheng's view: Chiang Wan-an evades the question of being “Chinese”—votes cannot replace political honesty
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran media figure He Qisheng wrote that Kuomintang candidate Chiang Wan-an evaded questions about his identity as a “Chinese” in an interview, emphasizing only that he is Taiwanese and a national of the Republic of China. The article said “China” has a historical context and that Chiang should clarify the concept rather than avoid the question. It questioned whether his ambiguous answer sacrificed political honesty for electoral strategy.
Facts
Asked by Tang Hsiang-lung in an interview whether he still identified as Chinese, Chiang Wan-an repeatedly answered that he is Taiwanese and a citizen of the Republic of China.
The Mainland Affairs Council clarified remarks at the Trump-Xi meeting about the U.S. and China being allies during World War II, noting that the People's Republic of China was established only in 1949 and did not yet exist during the war.
The author said that “China” as referred to internationally during the War of Resistance against Japan meant the Republic of China. The clarification shows that customary terminology in international politics cannot be used retroactively to erase the Republic of China's historical identity.
The author said Chiang Wan-an's ambiguous answer may be an electoral strategy, allowing pan-blue supporters to read into “Republic of China” the meaning they expect, while reassuring voters who have reservations about calling themselves Chinese.
The author argued that if Chiang's identity remains unchanged but he is afraid to acknowledge it for the sake of votes, he is letting political interests outweigh honesty; if his identity has changed, he should say so openly.
Li Zhongqian's column: The most important opponent of the “protect Taiwan” argument is not the “abandon Taiwan” camp, but Trump
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lee Chung-chien's column analysis says the biggest opponent of the position that Taiwan must be defended is not those who would abandon Taiwan, but Trump's transactional instincts. Scholar Sobolik stresses the strategic value of defending Taiwan, while Carlson criticizes Trump for already making Taiwan a bargaining chip and making unilateral concessions.
Facts
Original哈德遜研究所資深研究員索博利克撰寫文章論述保衛台灣的戰略邏輯，反對收縮派觀點。
Sobolik estimates that losing TSMC's foundry services could deal an 11% blow to the U.S. economy, and that 97% of the world's advanced chips are manufactured in Taiwan.
Cornell University associate professor Carlson criticizes Trump for using arms sales to Taiwan as a bargaining chip, in violation of the Reagan commitments.
A $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan is still sitting unsigned on Trump's desk.
This article analyzes how Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen's image changed dramatically under the party machine, shifting from an anti-China hawk to an approachable figure. It also explores how campaigns use traffic bubbles and us-versus-them narratives to manipulate voters' emotions, arguing that voters are actually choosing a constructed illusion.
Facts
Original沈伯洋在5月徵召提名後，其公開形象從無笑容的抗中鷹派轉變為充滿笑容的親民形象。
Puma Shen's past positions include saying that all exchanges are united front work and that universal cash handouts are a means of impoverishing Taiwan before unification.
Campaign marketing involves content design, ad placement, social media sharing, public opinion monitoring, and subsequent adjustments.
The 2024 Keelung mayoral recall vote and the 2025 mass recall campaign show that traffic bubbles may not match actual ballot-box results.
Chiang Wan-an's record-breaking number of negative comments has been cited as an example of a past traffic bubble.
Supporters see Puma Shen as a screen onto which they project the ideals of a “spontaneous grassroots movement” and “democratic activism.”
The article says fanatics need an object defined as the “devil,” such as the Chinese Communist Party and its collaborators.
In just five months, a concentrated series of accusations about municipal issues—including a rat infestation, tree felling, and school lunches—targeted Chiang Wan-an.
Oct. 13 morning news | “5 hidden benefits” of the Senior Citizen Card; 5 counties and cities to add points starting in October; Chiang Wan-an-Puma Shen debate hung up on “1 issue”; 13 killed in attack on Saudi airport, Trump reveals “next step”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Oct. 13 morning news covers developments in several areas. On local benefits, the Senior Citizen Card's coverage is expanding, and five counties and cities are adding points. In politics, the Taipei mayoral debate has been put on hold amid a dispute over the number and dates of the sessions. International tensions are rising: an attack on a Saudi airport caused multiple casualties, and the United States is weighing possible intervention.
Facts
The Senior Citizen Card can now be used in five major categories, including participating taxis, medical registration fees, purchases at farmers' association pharmacies, sports venues, and tourist attractions.
Starting in October, Hsinchu City's Senior Citizen Card monthly points will rise from 800 to 1,200.
Chiang Wan-an's team agreed to hold the first Taipei mayoral debate on Oct. 31.
The attack on Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia has left at least 13 people dead.
The CTBC Brothers defeated the Uni-Lions 8-2 to reach the Taiwan Series for 3 consecutive years.
The Fair Trade Commission will decide on Grab's acquisition of foodpanda by Oct. 27.
Opinion: Is Chiang Wan-an dodging the media? Don't fall for cognitive warfare again
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The author refutes media accusations that Chiang Wan-an ran away after a press conference as cognitive warfare, citing livestream footage as proof that his conduct was normal. The author also criticizes the media outlets involved for smearing the Taipei City Government with false reports and calls for a rejection of such misconduct.
Facts
A second media outlet's livestream shows Chiang Wan-an answering questions normally with someone accompanying him.
The author criticizes the outlet's coverage for portraying Taipei as beset by bubonic plague, flooding, and other crises.
The author says this kind of reporting resembles false advertising by Democratic Progressive Party-owned businesses.
The author calls for rejecting misconduct that undermines democracy and harms residents' well-being.
Gong Sun-ce's column: Who will win the U.S.-China AI war?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Columnist Gong Sun-ce analyzes U.S.-China AI competition, saying Trump sees AI as the ultimate war and is withdrawing troops to save money for investment in AI. Drawing on the history of the Warring States period, the article stresses that AI development must improve people's livelihoods and attract talent; otherwise, an approach that benefits only tycoons is bound to fail.
Facts
Trump believes whoever wins the AI race can “take all,” and sees the AI battle as the ultimate war.
Modern imperialism relies on the internet and currency; AI is what controls them, Tokens are what drive it, and big data centers produce Tokens.
Trump is accelerating the withdrawal of U.S. troops from various places to save on military spending and put the money toward AI.
During the Warring States period, the state of Han sent water conservancy expert Zheng Guo to Qin to build the Zhengguo Canal, intending to drain Qin's strength. Instead, the project made Qin richer and stronger.
In his “Memorial on the Expulsion of Guests,” Chancellor Li Si quoted, “Mount Tai does not reject soil, and so can become great; rivers and seas do not reject small streams, and so can become deep,” persuading the King of Qin to rescind the expulsion order.
The article concludes that those who use AI to improve people's livelihoods will prevail, while those who let tycoons alone reap AI's benefits will fail.
Chu Shu-chuan's column: Saving the forest at Qiaotou Sugar Refinery—Chiang Huang-nu's great vow
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chiang Huang-nu, an 83-year-old woman with no formal education, unexpectedly ran for city council to protect the forest at Qiaotou Sugar Refinery in Kaohsiung. She has won the support of more than 60 civic groups nationwide, drawing intense public attention to urban development and environmental protection.
Facts
Chiang Huang-nu is an 83-year-old, uneducated and illiterate candidate for city council in Kaohsiung's Third District.
Chiang Huang-nu's main reason for running is to save the hundred-hectare forest at Qiaotou Sugar Refinery in Kaohsiung.
The controversy over forest destruction at Qiaotou Sugar Refinery stems from the Kaohsiung New Town Phase 3 development plan.
On National Day, Chiang Huang-nu appealed to the president to preserve the forest at Jingfu Gate, opposite the Presidential Office.
From the age of 13, Chiang Huang-nu walked 20 li every day to work at the sugar refinery as a company employee, and swept floors for more than 20 years.
Chiang Huang-nu's son, Chiang Yao-hsien, is a well-known artist who helped establish the Qiaozaitou Sugar Factory Art Village.
More than 60 civic groups nationwide support Chiang Huang-nu's candidacy.
Chiang Huang-nu once won the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Sugarcane Film Festival.
Puma Shen was interviewed by Chao Shao-kang on TVBS's “Shaokang War Room” on Oct. 7, making a phenomenon-level breakthrough beyond his usual audience.
The cable ratings for the interview program briefly surged to 3.09, ranking first nationwide.
A media professional says that in Taiwan, media outlets either seek advertising revenue from high ratings, earn income from traffic, or benefit from product placement.
Chiang Wan-an's team has recently brought back campaign operatives from former party chairman Johnny Chiang's era to help.
Chiang Wan-an said Taipei is the only place in Taiwan holding an election, and the entire DPP is targeting him alone.
Opinion: Can military service really be called a “national duty”? The myth of alternative service and systemic unfairness through the eyes of a conscript
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A conscript writes to criticize the current military service system, saying alternative service personnel perform administrative errands in government agencies, in stark contrast to the intensive military training required of conscripts. The writer argues that the system is unfair and wastes national defense resources.
Facts
Conscripts get up at half past five in the morning for intensive physical training and tactical exercises.
Alternative service personnel usually perform administrative tasks in government agencies, such as stamping documents, delivering official papers, answering phones, and sweeping floors.
Under the current system, the hardship of military service depends on information asymmetry, family resources, or the manipulation of rules.
The author argues that the number of alternative service positions in administrative roles should be sharply reduced.
Alternative service has been criticized as a source of cheap labor for the government, effectively turning personnel into administrative errand runners.
Opinion: Abandoning the bigger picture of Taoyuan Aerotropolis to pursue the closure of Songshan Airport—the Taipei City Government's “AI anxiety” lost in a narrow-minded geographical vision
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The author criticizes Taipei City's plan to relocate Songshan Airport to make way for an AI park, arguing that the move ignores national defense and transportation risks and violates national land-use planning. The article argues that the city should make use of existing land or Taoyuan Aerotropolis and build on Taipei's strengths in software R&D, rather than making short-sighted decisions driven by election anxiety.
Facts
Taipei City recently proposed relocating Songshan Airport, hoping to create a Taipei AI industrial park by releasing 300 hectares of land.
Taipei still has development land at Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, Zhoumei Plain, and the Baxian section of farmland, but the city government has little interest because of development timelines and fragmented land parcels.
Songshan Airport is an indispensable lifeline connecting Taiwan with its outlying islands—Kinmen, Matsu and Penghu—and an important hub for national defense and special operations coordination.
Taoyuan Aerotropolis has a vast land area spanning thousands of hectares and has already planned tens of hectares for a dedicated advanced IC substrate and AI hardware manufacturing zone.
Taiwan's industries have a clear division of labor: Taoyuan and central and southern Taiwan host large-scale manufacturing, research and development, and logistics, while Taipei serves as the headquarters hub for finance, software R&D and international business.
Opinion: Chiang Wan-an floats relocating Songshan Airport in campaign platform, setting up a blue-green showdown!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Party's Public Opinion Center deputy director analyzed the political intentions behind Chiang Wan-an's proposal to relocate Songshan Airport, saying it was aimed at provoking a blue-green showdown. The Democratic Progressive Party government and its candidate immediately voiced strong opposition, and the two sides began trading political attacks.
Songshan Airport is a joint-use military and civilian airport overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of National Defense.
Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang questioned why the mayor had failed to prepare over the past 10 years.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Huizhi said relocating Songshan Airport was not an issue hastily raised during an election.
Opinion: Why can't existing teacher support programs catch teachers as they fall?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The death of a 26-year-old special education teacher has prompted reflection on support systems for teachers. The article says that although existing systems are in place, their emphasis on individual responsibility and disregard for environmental pressures make them ineffective at supporting educators in crisis. It calls for a safety net that includes workplace risk management and multiple exit options.
Facts
Before her death, the teacher had said a colleague was causing her considerable stress. She had also received professional psychological counseling and taken medication to help her sleep.
The Ministry of Education has established a counseling and support system for teachers that includes professional consultations, individual counseling, group counseling and psychological crisis intervention.
Current regulations stipulate that teacher support centers must conduct case management and assessment, as well as evaluate the effectiveness of teacher counseling services.
The article says systems for preventing tragedies should not offer only the option of “staying.” They should also include choices such as reducing workloads, adjusting duties or leaving the education field.
International approaches to workplace mental health governance are shifting toward treating mental health as a psychosocial risk that workplaces need to identify and manage.
The school said the teacher was dedicated and outstanding, deeply loved by the children, and that it had done its best to accommodate the needs she raised.
Synchronous Resonance and Quantum Entanglement—Seeing Through the Future: Selected Excerpts from “Lectures on Eastern and Western Culture” (2)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This is an excerpt from “Lectures on Eastern and Western Culture.” Drawing on the concepts of quantum entanglement and synchronous resonance, the author combines personal experience with ideas from the I Ching to challenge the traditional materialist view of life and death and offer a perspective on reincarnation from a higher-dimensional viewpoint.
Facts
Jung and Pauli conducted experiments in an attempt to prove the effect of synchronous resonance, but failed.
The principle of quantum entanglement makes it possible to transmit information in its original form without creating a copy.
The author's friend Hu Heqing believed that if the universe were understood through the principles of the I Ching, the same scenario would recur hundreds of millions of years later.
The author personally experienced the mind synchronizing in resonance between the mother of a deceased friend's reincarnated infant and the author.
Google sends 4 TPU chips into space as Project Suncatcher begins orbital testing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Google announced that the first prototype satellite for its space AI project, Project Suncatcher, had successfully entered orbit. The satellite carries 4 TPU chips and is intended to test hardware resilience and heat dissipation for AI computing in the space environment.
Facts
Google announced that its first experimental prototype satellite had successfully entered orbit aboard SpaceX's Transporter-18 rideshare mission.
Project Suncatcher is a project developed in partnership by Google and Planet Labs.
The prototype satellite carries 4 Google-developed TPU chips.
The satellite is about the size of a refrigerator.
The prototype satellite is expected to allow the TPUs to perform AI computing for only about 15 minutes at a time.
Google previously planned to launch another two satellites in 2027 to test laser communications technology.
Google first announced Project Suncatcher in November 2025.
Precious metals close: Dollar gains, oil prices surge, gold falls from one-week high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Under pressure from a stronger dollar and rising oil prices, gold fell 0.6% on Monday to $4,169.10. Investors are watching U.S. inflation data to gauge the Federal Reserve's rate path. The market expects rates to remain unchanged this month, but sees a high likelihood of a rate hike in December.
Facts
Spot gold fell 0.6% to $4,169.10 an ounce.
U.S. gold futures settled 0.6% lower at $4,190.60 an ounce.
The market expects the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged later this month.
Meta surges 3% as new Muse AI models directly challenge OpenAI and Anthropic
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Meta released two AI models, Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, on Monday, saying they can compete with leading products from OpenAI and Anthropic. Its shares surged 3.4% that day, signaling an effort to turn AI investment into product competitiveness.
Facts
Meta Platforms released two new AI models, “Muse Wonder” and “Muse Wonder Full,” on Monday (the 12th).
In public tests, Meta's Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full performed well enough to compete with leading products from OpenAI and Anthropic.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the release “puts us at the forefront.”
Meta shares surged 3.4% on Monday, are up 13% so far this year, and have gained 31% since early September.
Meta estimates that its capital expenditure will reach $130 billion to $145 billion in 2026.
Muse Wonder features “active memory” and “active focus.”
Meta launched its Muse AI personal assistant in September, and Meta Superintelligence Labs was established last year.
Companies mentioned：Meta Platforms、OpenAI、Anthropic、Bank of America Securities、Meta Superintelligence Labs
Another rate hike in October? Fed voter Hammack says rates still need to go higher, while seeking to curb inflation without hurting jobs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Beth Hammack, president of the 克里夫蘭聯準銀行, said interest rates may need to rise further to curb inflation without harming the labor market. She said U.S. inflation is currently in the 2.5% to 3.0% range, and recommended cooling an overheated economy by reducing business capital spending and consumer demand supported by the wealth effect. She also highlighted inflationary pressure from AI investment and said the October meeting will assess whether to raise rates again.
Facts
克里夫蘭聯準銀行 President Hammack says rates still need to go higher, while seeking to curb inflation without hurting jobs
Hammack believes business capital spending and consumer spending are the main forces supporting demand in the U.S. economy.
Hammack is a 2026 voting member of the 聯邦公開市場委員會 and has a vote on interest rate decisions this year.
Hammack cast a dissenting vote on the rate decision in July this year, arguing for a rate hike.
Hammack is particularly concerned about the inflationary impact of the rapid expansion of AI-related investment.
New York FX: Dollar holds at 18-month high as Middle East tensions and U.S. inflation sway market sentiment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The dollar held at an 18-month high on Monday, supported by tensions in the Middle East and safe-haven demand, with the dollar index rising to 102.58. Markets are watching U.S. inflation data, and the probability that the Federal Reserve will not raise rates this month has risen to 78%.
Facts
The dollar index stood at 102.58 on the 12th, its highest level since April 2025.
Brent crude futures rose 2.3% to $107.17 a barrel.
The estimated probability that the Federal Reserve will leave rates unchanged this month is 78%.
Bullish dollar positions rose sharply to about $36 billion.
The euro fell to $1.1156 against the dollar.
Companies mentioned：LMAX Group、Bannockburn Global Forex、花旗集團
Micron sinks 3.9% as memory stocks tumble across the board and Chinese rivals close in on core markets
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Shares of major memory-chip makers including Micron, SK hynix and Samsung fell sharply on Monday amid news of development progress on a new chip by China's ChangXin Memory Technologies, reflecting investor concerns that Chinese competitors are moving to capture market share.
Facts
Micron Technology shares fell 3.88%, closing at $989.04 per share and marking their third consecutive trading-day decline.
ChangXin Memory Technologies has made progress in developing a new chip capable of storing more data, using a 4F² design.
ChangXin Memory Technologies President Cao Kanyu said the company plans to launch a new product before the end of this year.
ChangXin Memory Technologies is China's company with the highest total market capitalization, at just under $500 billion.
SK hynix ADRs fell 4%, while Samsung Electronics shares closed down 4.4%.
Meta launches Muse Wonder AI models to test users' willingness to pay
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Meta launched its most capable AI models, Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, on the 12th, supporting complex tasks such as legal work, finance and software development. The move aims to test users' willingness to pay through APIs and subscriptions, shifting AI from an advertising model toward direct monetization.
Facts
Meta launched its new artificial intelligence models, Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, on the 12th.
The Muse Wonder series builds on the previously launched Muse Spark and was released after about 14 months of development.
The Muse Wonder API is priced at $4 per 1 million input tokens and $20 per 1 million output tokens.
The price of cached input tokens has been cut to $0.20 per 1 million.
The Muse Code Maximum Usage plan offers 80 times the usage allowance of the Everyday Usage plan.
The new models cover tasks including legal work, financial analysis, health information analysis and extended software development.
The Muse Wonder series was trained using computing resources at the large-scale Prometheus data center.
〈After-hours U.S. stocks〉Micron's 3.9% drop weighs on SOX and Nasdaq; oil rises as bank earnings season begins
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. stocks were mixed on Monday, with the Nasdaq closing lower under pressure from Micron Technology's 3.9% slump, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.67% to a three-week low. An attack on Riyadh airport pushed oil prices up nearly $2 a barrel, as markets awaited third-quarter earnings from major banks.
Facts
The Nasdaq closed lower, weighed down by a 3.9% decline in Micron Technology (MU-US) shares.
Analysts forecast that third-quarter earnings at S&P 500 companies will grow sharply by 30.6%.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index closed down 2.7%, reaching a three-week low.
Microsoft (MSFT-US) shares rose 1.1%, lifting its market capitalization above $4 trillion for the first time in more than a year.
Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said the Fed should move "relatively quickly" toward a more restrictive monetary policy stance.
The probability of the Fed raising rates this month is nearly 22%, up from 17.7% on Friday.
The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield recently climbed to a 24-year high.
After calling for cuts to political spending last year, Musk becomes the biggest known donor for the 2026 midterms, giving more than $276 million since July
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Musk has donated more than $276 million to support Republicans since July 2026, becoming the biggest donor in the midterm elections. The move runs counter to his earlier remarks about reducing spending. The money has mainly gone to organizations such as Senate Leadership Fund, aiming to help Republicans maintain their advantage in Congress and reflecting a repair in his relationship with Trump.
Facts
Musk has donated more than $276 million to political groups supporting Republicans since July 2026.
Musk donated $158 million to Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates.
Musk gave $76 million to his America PAC to expand voter mobilization efforts.
Musk donated $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, which supports Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Musk's total spending on activities related to the 2026 U.S. midterm elections has reached about $366 million.
Musk said in May 2025 that he would reduce his political donations in the future.
Trump presented Musk with the National Medal of Science on October 8, 2026.
Companies mentioned：America PAC、Senate Leadership Fund、Lone Star Liberty PAC
〈Energy after-hours〉Saudi Arabia attacked, tanker hit in Strait of Hormuz; international oil prices close up nearly 2%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Escalating conflict in the Middle East led to attacks on Saudi Arabian facilities and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, sending international oil prices up nearly 2%, with Brent crude topping $106. Although Russia pledged to increase diesel exports, the geopolitical risk premium continued to support elevated oil prices.
Facts
Brent crude futures settled above $106 a barrel on Monday, reaching a recent high.
The Houthi armed group claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh International Airport in the Saudi capital, killing 13 people and injuring more than 300.
Original高盛將布蘭特原油12月價格預測從每桶85美元上調至90美元。
Trump announced that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the U.S. and global markets.
Diesel futures on the Intercontinental Exchange in London fell 2.3% on news of increased Russian supply, to $1,449 per metric ton.
Companies mentioned：高盛、殼牌、雪佛龍、英國石油、PVM能源、Ritterbusch and Associates、SEB
〈Taiwan stocks: Key premarket news〉南亞科 expects DRAM prices to keep rising in Q4; 台達電 Q3 revenue hits a record NT$197 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
南亞科 said at its earnings briefing that DRAM is in severe shortage and prices will continue rising in Q4; 台達電 posted record quarterly revenue in Q3; September revenue rose year over year and month over month at Formosa Plastics Group's four major companies, 中鋼 and the two leading cement makers, showing strong momentum.
Facts
南亞科 reported third-quarter net profit after tax of NT$87.627 billion and earnings per share of NT$25.4.
南亞科 General Manager Li Peiying expects the average selling price of DRAM to continue rising in the fourth quarter.
台達電 reported third-quarter revenue of NT$197.059 billion, a quarterly record.
台塑化's September revenue rose 65.6% year over year, the largest increase among the four major Formosa Plastics Group companies.
中鋼's September revenue was NT$31 billion, a 28-month high.
An article that turns doctors’ parenting stories into manga and introduces things forbidden in childhood as habits that people cannot give up even as adults.
“I’m struggling with how to deal with my supervising doctor…”
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
An introduction to Docpedia LIFESTYLE, a members-only section for doctors on m3.com where experienced experts and physicians respond to questions about dealing with supervising doctors.
[In a table] A comprehensive look at past Ig Nobel Prize winners in medicine!
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
About “Jiji Bara!,” a series introducing medical research recognized by the Ig Nobel Prize, awarded for research that “makes people laugh, and then makes them think.” The series features conversations between Kiyokawa and Kosuge, residents working at university hospitals in Tokyo.
UK PM Bannan: Options for long-term relationship with EU to be discussed after Nov. 20 UK-EU summit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
British Prime Minister Bannan announced that a UK-EU summit will be held in Brussels on November 20, focusing on trade, energy and migration cooperation. A new agreement is expected to bring the UK at least 10 billion pounds in economic benefits annually. Bannan stressed that options for a long-term relationship with the EU need to be discussed. Although he pledged not to pursue a return to the single market or customs union during this Parliament, he did not rule out rejoining the EU in the future, drawing criticism from the opposition Conservative Party.
Good morning, world》Military closely monitors Chinese military activity in nearby waters; Defense Ministry proposes extending service for dedicated pilots to age 58
Trump says he may meet Kim Jong Un during Asia trip, reviving prospects for summit diplomacy between the 2 countries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Trump said he may meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming trip to Asia, raising the possibility of restarting summit diplomacy between the United States and North Korea.
Attack on Saudi airport drives up international oil prices; Wall Street stocks mostly close lower
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An attack on an airport in Saudi Arabia drove international oil prices up about 2%, while major Wall Street indexes mostly closed lower as investors watched corporate earnings and U.S. economic data.