# AI News 180m Report｜2026-10-15 21:00–24:00 JST｜Page 2 of 2

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 102 items from 6 sources; Japan, 22 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## Japan's top sauna herbal master crowned! “Sauna Herbal Cup 2026 Japan Championship” concludes after a heated competition

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:05:45+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000008.000103125.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349999-en.html
- anchor: #n3389768
- Companies mentioned: 公益社団法人日本サウナ・スパ協会、サウナセンター稲荷町、YUBUNESAUNA PARK、舞浜ユーラシア、FUROBAKKA

公益社団法人日本サウナ・スパ協会 held the “Sauna Herbal Cup 2026 Japan Championship” on October 14 and 15, 2026, at サウナセンター稲荷町 in Taito Ward, Tokyo. ユーシましも (YUBUNESAUNA PARK) won the title.

Facts:
- 2026
- Oct. 14
- 15th
- 2 days
- 2015
- 100%
- Top 2 contestants

## Italian leather bag and accessories brand COCCINELLE (コチネッレ), founded in Parma, Italy, will hold a pop-up store at JR名古屋タカシマヤ from November 11 (Wednesday) to December 8 (Tuesday)

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:04:19+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000055.000156104.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350000-en.html
- anchor: #n3389769
- Companies mentioned: Hunter Japan株式会社、COCCINELLE、コチネッレ、JR名古屋タカシマヤ

Italian leather brand COCCINELLE (コチネッレ), founded in Parma, Italy, will hold a pop-up store at JR名古屋タカシマヤ from November 11 to December 8, 2026.

Facts:
- Nov. 11, 2026
- Dec. 8
- Nov. 21
- 22 days
- 5th floor
- ￥62,700

## 39th anniversary appreciation event to be held October 17 and 18! Two stores in the Sagamihara area join forces to offer popular renovation products at special prices!

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000359.000074598.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350007-en.html
- anchor: #n3389774
- Companies mentioned: ニッカホーム株式会社、アイリスオーヤマ

ニッカホーム株式会社 will hold its “39th Anniversary Appreciation Event” jointly at 2 stores in the Sagamihara area on October 17 and 18, 2026, offering special prices on renovation products such as kitchens and unit bathrooms.

Facts:
- 39th anniversary
- Oct. 17, 2026
- 18th
- 65% OFF
- 73% OFF
- 53% OFF
- ¥1,144,000
- ¥39,000
- ¥130,000
- Capital: 80 million yen
- 1,860 people
- 81.88 billion yen
- 88,842 cases

## FM802 announces the second lineup of artists for its rock year-end festival, “FM802 RADIO CRAZY”!

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000485.000088611.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350006-en.html
- anchor: #n3389773
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社 FM802、FM802、キョードー関西、新日本プロレス、日本旅行、マクセル、Maker’s Mark、tabiwa by WESTER、Mizkan、サッポロ生ビール黒ラベル、延田グループ、日本たばこ産業株式会社、SonicOn、シノブフーズ、COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27、eplus

FM802が主催するロックフェスティバル「FM802 RADIO CRAZY 2026」の第2弾出演アーティスト24組と、新日本プロレスのスペシャルマッチ開催を発表。12月26日～28日にインテックス大阪で開催され、番組先行抽選受付を実施中。

Facts:
- 24 acts
- 3 days
- December 26 (Sat.)–28 (Mon.)
- Opens at 10:00
- Starts at 11:00
- ￥48,000
- ￥38,500
- ￥26,000
- ￥13,500
- ￥9,500

## REJECT streamer 折咲もしゅ releases “折咲もしゅ 4th Anniversary Goods”

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000671.000050979.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350005-en.html
- anchor: #n3389772
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社REJECT、REJECT、hrmos

To celebrate the 4th anniversary of 折咲もしゅ, a streamer with the esports team “REJECT,” operated by 株式会社REJECT, merchandise will be available for pre-order for a limited time.

Facts:
- ¥16,000 (tax included)
- ¥12,000 (tax included)
- 2,000 yen (tax included)
- 1,000 yen (tax included)
- Thursday, October 15, 2026
- Launched in 2018
- Total prize pool exceeding 10 billion yen

## AMG's media-mix project “放課後☆ミライノート！” welcomes new unit 【Magical Lunar Ray】!

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000788.000025577.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350003-en.html
- anchor: #n3389771
- Companies mentioned: 学校法人吉田学園、アミューズメントメディア総合学院、AMG

A new unit, 【Magical Lunar Ray】, has joined AMG's media-mix project “放課後☆ミライノート！,” and original songs by both units will be available starting October 16.

Facts:
- Launched in June 2026
- A 4-member group whose members all have “moon” in their surnames
- 10月16日（金）0時より

## DOBERMAN INFINITY's latest tour “PRESENT” to stream live exclusively on U-NEXT from its Chiba show!

- Published: 2026-10-15T21:00:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002991.000031998.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350001-en.html
- anchor: #n3389770
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社U-NEXT、USEN＆U-NEXT GROUP、LDH、Paravi、TBS、テレビ東京、株式会社U-NEXT HOLDINGS、GEM Partners

株式会社U-NEXT announced that it will exclusively stream the Chiba show of “PRESENT,” the live tour by LDH group DOBERMAN INFINITY, on December 7.

Facts:
- 6 cities, 7 performances
- Monday, Dec. 7
- 5-member group
- November 2014
- 2025
- 10th anniversary of formation
- 2026
- Sept. 9
- Sunday, Dec. 20
- No. 1 in number of titles available to stream
- More than 480,000 titles
- More than 1.33 million books
- July 2023
- As of Sept. 2026

## “英国ロイヤル・バレエ & オペラ in Cinema 2026/27”: The new season of world-class ballet and opera finally begins! Lineup of all 9 productions announced, including “Manon,” “Swan Lake” and “Romeo and Juliet”!

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:59:25+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000138.000016700.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349908-en.html
- anchor: #n3389571
- Companies mentioned: 東宝東和株式会社、英国ロイヤル・バレエ、ロイヤル・オペラ、ロイヤル・オペラ・ハウス

Toho-Towa announced that all 9 productions in “英国ロイヤル・バレエ & オペラ in Cinema 2026/27” will be released nationwide starting January 22, 2027.

Facts:
- All 9 productions
- Starting January 22, 2027 (Friday)

## [Survey Report] 10% of existing clients use AI-powered SNS direct-message sales

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:58:30+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000298.000110808.html
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349909-en.html
- anchor: #n3389572
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社BOTANICO

A survey of 40 existing client companies conducted by 株式会社BOTANICO found that only 10% (4 companies) use AI-powered direct-message sales on social media, indicating that adoption remains limited.

Facts:
- 40 companies
- 4 companies
- 36 companies

## Water outage (Kaohsiung City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:30:02+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151930&info=20040158
- anchor: #n3389601
- Companies mentioned: 台灣自來水公司

台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs after a water pipe burst at No. 39-1, Lane 53, Gushan Yilu, affecting multiple neighborhoods in Gushan District, Kaohsiung. Water service will be suspended from 17:56 to 21:00 on October 15, 2026.

Facts:
- Effective time: 2026-10-15T17:56:26
- End time: 2026-10-15T21:00:00

## Water Outage (Chiayi City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T19:40:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151840&info=20040155
- anchor: #n3389605
- Companies mentioned: 嘉義市政府、台灣自來水公司

嘉義市政府's Department of Transportation damaged a water pipe during excavation, prompting 台灣自來水公司 to issue a water outage notice affecting multiple neighborhoods in East District, Chiayi City.

Facts:
- Effective time: 2026-10-15T16:57:09
- End time: 2026-10-15T20:30:00

## Water outage (Kaohsiung City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T18:40:02+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151740&info=20040152
- anchor: #n3389602
- Companies mentioned: 台灣自來水公司

台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for multiple neighborhoods in Meinong District, Kaohsiung, due to the connection of old and new pipes for an extension project. Affected areas include Hehe, Guanglin, Longshan and Longdu villages. The outage will take effect from 17:37 on October 15, 2026, until 17:30 on October 16, 2026.

Facts:
- 2026-10-15T17:37:05
- 2026-10-16T17:30:00

## Water Outage (Pingtung County)

- Published: 2026-10-15T18:10:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151710&info=20040149
- anchor: #n3389604
- Companies mentioned: 台灣自來水公司

台灣自來水公司 is relocating service lines to accommodate drainage construction. Water service will be suspended in Luliao Village in Wanluan Township and Sichun and Silin villages in Chaozhou Township, Pingtung County.

## Water Outage (Taichung City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T18:10:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151710&info=20040148
- anchor: #n3389603
- Companies mentioned: 台灣自來水公司

台灣自來水公司 will replace pipelines along Zhengde Road and other streets in Puzi Village, Shalu District, Taichung City, resulting in a water outage in the area.

Facts:
- Effective time: 2026-10-15T17:08:18
- End time: 2026-10-16T17:00:00

## Water Outage (Hsinchu City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T17:30:02+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=TWC_water_202610151630&info=20040139
- anchor: #n3389607
- Companies mentioned: 台灣自來水公司

台灣自來水公司 is connecting customer lines as part of a pipeline replacement project on Niupu Road in Hsinchu City, affecting Zhongpu and Niupu villages in Xiangshan District. Water service will be suspended from 16:22 on October 15, 2026, to 16:00 on October 16.

Facts:
- Effective time: 2026-10-15T16:22:10
- End time: 2026-10-16T16:00:00

## Strong wind advisory for land areas (yellow alert) (Pingtung County, Taoyuan City, Taichung City)

- Published: 2026-10-15T17:25:46+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
- Original: https://alerts.ncdr.nat.gov.tw/web/alerts/detail?id=CWA-Weather_strong-wind_202610151625001&info=20040138
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349966-en.html
- anchor: #n3389606
- Companies mentioned: 中央氣象署

中央氣象署 issued a strong wind advisory for land areas (yellow alert), saying that parts of Taoyuan City, Taichung City and Pingtung County could see average winds of force 6 or higher or gusts of force 8 or higher from the afternoon through the evening of the 15th. The public was urged to take care outdoors.

Facts:
- Average winds of scale 6 or above
- Gusts of scale 8 or above

## Human-elephant conflict worsens in Sri Lanka; village electric fences protect residents

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:45:10+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831552
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349953-en.html
- anchor: #n3389578

Human-elephant conflict is severe in Sri Lanka. Wildlife ranger Bandara was seriously injured in an attack by a wild elephant, underscoring the toll of the conflict. Locals are repairing electric fences to protect residents, but shrinking habitats are driving elephants to forage near villages, prompting schools to adjust class times and weddings and funerals to end early. A total of 397 wild elephants died in 2025, most of them living outside protected areas. Conservationists are calling for an end to forest clearing and stronger reforestation efforts.

Facts:
- 48-year-old Sri Lankan wildlife ranger Bandara
- 3 fractures in his leg
- Continuing repairs to a 14-kilometer-long electric fence
- Protecting about 2,000 nearby households
- Classes moved to 8 a.m.
- A total of 397 wild elephants died in 2025.
- 71 of them were shot dead.
- 56 elephants died from electrocution after poorly maintained fences and wires.
- As many as 70% of Sri Lanka’s wild elephants live outside protected areas.

## 7 new hotels set to open in Taipei as hospitality industry faces labor shortages and a talent race.

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:41:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831559
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349948-en.html
- anchor: #n3389577
- Companies mentioned: 福泰飯店集團、台北馥華商旅集團、觀光旅館商業同業公會

7 new hotels are expected to open in Taipei before the end of next year, as the hospitality industry faces severe labor shortages and a fierce competition for talent. Businesses are raising salaries and benefits to recruit workers. Labor Ministry statistics show more than 26,000 vacancies in the accommodation and food services sector. The Tourism Administration is promoting efforts to retain overseas Chinese and foreign students in Taiwan and bring in foreign interns to help fill staffing gaps, while labor shortages have also driven pay increases in some industries.

Facts:
- 7 new hotels
- More than 26,000 vacancies
- Only NT$35,805 in the accommodation and food services sector
- Median monthly regular wages of about NT$41,087
- Year-on-year increase of 3.66%

## Audio allegedly revealing bullying of lieutenant who died by suicide emerges; Army says case referred for judicial investigation.

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:38:34+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831569
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349950-en.html
- anchor: #n3389576
- Companies mentioned: 陸軍第206旅、六軍團、國防部、新竹地檢署

A female second lieutenant surnamed Wang from 陸軍第206旅 died after falling from a building, and an audio recording allegedly revealing that she had been bullied before her death has emerged. 簡熒宏, political warfare director of 六軍團, initially denied the allegations before the case was referred for judicial investigation. 國防部 spokesperson 孫立方 stressed that bullying would not be tolerated, and the case is being investigated by 新竹地檢署.

Facts:
- Late September
- 第206旅
- September 30
- Oct. 12
- 15th
- Repeated the same line seven times

## 台積電 Q3 revenue hits another record high; C.C. Wei confirms evaluation of Texas expansion.

- Published: 2026-10-15T20:30:20+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831547
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349949-en.html
- anchor: #n3389579
- Companies mentioned: 台積電

台積電Q3營收創歷史新高達1兆4942億元，董事長魏哲家證實已派團隊赴美國德州評估擴廠事宜，並說明全球新廠推進及先進製程規劃。

Facts:
- 單季營收衝上1兆4942億元
- Earnings per share (EPS) reached NT$29.43
- Gross margin of 66.4%
- Nearly 20 new fabs are currently under development worldwide.
- Taiwan will also build 13 advanced-process and advanced-packaging plants in the coming years.
- Plans also call for expanding by 5 to 6 overseas wafer fabs.
- 2-nanometer capacity is expected to double in 2027.
- Mass production of 1.4-nanometer chips is planned for 2028.
- The second wafer fab in Arizona, United States... is expected to begin mass production in the third quarter of 2027.
- The second fab in Kumamoto, Japan, will also adopt the 3-nanometer process and is expected to begin mass production in 2028.
- The chief's estimate was 11.05%.
- See whether there is a chance of reaching 12%.
- Fell to 46,795 points during trading.
- Plunged 1,655 points at the close.
- The three major institutional investors dumped NT$370 billion.
- 外資提款台股3025.55億元
- At one point, plunged more than 9%.
- Ultimately closed down 7.57%.
- The Nikkei index also plunged 4.9%.

## First Taipei mayoral debate set for Oct. 31; format includes cross-examination and media questions.

- Published: 2026-10-15T19:34:02+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831516
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349952-en.html
- anchor: #n3389580
- Companies mentioned: 三立電視、TVBS

國民黨蔣萬安與民進黨沈伯洋的台北市長首場辯論會定於10月31日中午12時至下午2時舉行，形式含交叉詰問及媒體提問，由三立電視與TVBS聯合舉辦。

Facts:
- 中午12時至下午2時
- About 2 hours

## Costa Rica opens mega-prison for 5,000 inmates, with tight surveillance aimed at fighting gang crime.

- Published: 2026-10-15T18:45:27+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831515
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349947-en.html
- anchor: #n3389581
- Companies mentioned: 美聯社、路透社、布魯金斯研究所、美國緝毒單位

Costa Rica has opened a mega-prison with capacity for 5,100 inmates, modeled on El Salvador’s CECOT, with tight surveillance of gang criminals. It has also amended its constitution to allow the extradition of suspects in drug trafficking and terrorism cases, and joined the U.S.-led Shield of the Americas alliance to combat transnational drug trafficking groups.

Facts:
- The number of homicides in 2023 hit a record high of more than 900.
- Estimated capacity of 5,100 inmates
- Announced sanctions against 24 transnational drug-crime organizations

## French student movement sparks protests across Europe; what was the key to resonating in other countries?

- Published: 2026-10-15T18:34:42+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 公視新聞
- Original: https://news.pts.org.tw/article/831514
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4349951-en.html
- anchor: #n3389582
- Companies mentioned: BBC、歐盟委員會、AXIOS、美聯社

French high school students and teachers launched a strike over inadequate education funding and teacher shortages, leading to more than 6,500 arrests and widespread clashes. The student movement resonated in several European countries, including Belgium, Italy and Germany, where students also staged demonstrations. It reflected shared challenges across Europe, including long-standing shortages of educational resources, widening budget deficits and young people’s anxieties about the future.

Facts:
- More than 6,500 people have been arrested as a result.
- About 161,500 people took to the streets to protest across France.
- A total of 480,000 people took part in protests that day.
- The fiscal deficit this year (2026)
- All have exceeded 5% of their countries’ GDP.
- Austria’s figure exceeded 4%.
- Exceeding the EU-set benchmark of below 3%.
- Higher education fees rose 43%.

## 藥華藥’s Ropeg wins China ET drug approval; 400,000 patients may benefit - Global Bio & Medical Technology Monthly

- Published: 2026-10-15T01:00:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
- Original: https://news.gbimonthly.com/tw/invest/show.php?num=90754&range=news
- Article page: https://ainews.idaeo.ai/a/4350030-en.html
- anchor: #n3389806
- Companies mentioned: 藥華藥、NMPA、中華醫學會

藥華藥 announced that its new drug Ropeginterferon alfa-2b has received approval from NMPA in China for an additional indication: treatment of patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). The treatment is expected to benefit about 400,000 patients in China.

Facts:
- 藥華藥 (6446)
- About 400,000 ET patients in China
- About 50 countries worldwide