【OMO5金沢片町】A tour of Kanazawa sweets that begins at night | “Kanazawa KOGEI Night Salon,” bringing together 9 renowned shops, returns with a winter-only program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
OMO5金沢片町, part of 星野リゾート, will host the winter-only “Kanazawa KOGEI Night Salon” from Dec. 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027. Activities include a tour of sweets from 9 renowned shops and a Kaga bocha tea-roasting experience.
Popular Convenience Wear × “BE:FIRST” collaboration returns this year! Collaboration socks and hand towels go on sale through ファミマオンライン starting Friday, Oct. 16
The latest installments in the hugely popular series! “Sniper: The Yamaneko 11: Superweapon Out of Control” and “Sniper: The Yamaneko 12: Stateless Mission” DVD release set for Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2027! DVD rentals begin the same day!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The latest 11th and 12th installments in the “Sniper: The Yamaneko” series will be released on DVD and available for rental from 株式会社ハピネット・メディアマーケティング on Feb. 17, 2027. Each is priced at ¥4,400 (tax included).
Facts
Wednesday, February 17, 2027
4,400 yen
Companies mentioned：株式会社ハピネット、株式会社ハピネット・メディアマーケティング、ソニー・ピクチャーズ エンタテインメント、Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Inc.
A masterpiece by “the master filmmaker who works sparingly,” Ryosuke Hashiguchi, gets its first Blu-ray release! “Hush! 4K Remastered Edition” Blu-ray set for release Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
It was announced that the film “Hush!” directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi will receive its first Blu-ray release on Jan. 6, 2027. It is priced at ¥6,930 (tax included).
A masterpiece by “the master filmmaker who works sparingly,” Ryosuke Hashiguchi, gets its first Blu-ray release! “All Around Us 4K Remastered Edition” Blu-ray set for release Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2027!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ryosuke Hashiguchi’s film “All Around Us” will receive its first Blu-ray release as a 4K remastered edition on Feb. 3, 2027. It is priced at ¥6,930 (tax included).
First co-authored book by photographer Go Yanagisawa, whose social media following exceeds 900,000, and popular psychological astrology researcher Ryuji Kagami: “Fortune-Telling Photo Book: Purifying Long-Tailed Tits—Words of Comfort for You, One of the 12 Zodiac Signs,” on sale Nov. 2
Watch top teams Chelsea vs. Manchester United on the big screen at a movie theater. U-NEXT to host live-viewing events for Premier League Matchweek 9 on Oct. 31
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
U-NEXT Co., Ltd. will host live-viewing events for Premier League Matchweek 9 fixtures “Chelsea vs. Manchester United” and “Manchester City vs. Brighton” on Oct. 31, 2026, at 6 venues operated by TOHOシネマズ and イオンシネマ.
【TAC Public Service Exam Prep】“Join easily with your camera and mic off”—take the first step toward a career in public service! “Night Guidance: Teach Me About Public Service from Scratch!” to be held on the evening of Oct. 20 (Tuesday)
The 5th and 6th entries in the “miracle series that suits everyone,” designed for all body types, are here! Elura, whose styles address the concerns of adult women, launches collaborative color knitwear and designed pants with Yuko Futagami, creator of the body-type classification, starting Friday, Oct. 16
【Celebrating 60 Years of the Ultraman Series】Special DIME Presents collaboration items arrive, including T-shirts featuring Mamoru Uchiyama’s “The Ultraman” and bags made with Manhattan Portage!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Shogakukan’s DIME will begin taking preorders on Oct. 16 for special collaboration items commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman series, including T-shirts designed by Mamoru Uchiyama and bags made with Manhattan Portage.
It’s okay to cry or move around. A live parent-child concert in Toyota City that children can enjoy from age 0! Taking place Sunday, Nov. 1; Halloween costumes welcome
ABEMA to livestream the “Machi★Asobi vol.31” general entertainment event for free over 2 days, Oct. 17 (Saturday) and 18 (Sunday), featuring stages with a stellar cast and artists!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ABEMA will livestream for free the star-studded cast and artist stages at the comprehensive entertainment event “マチ★アソビ vol.31,” taking place on October 17 and 18, 2026.
【MIESROHE】Unveils its latest winter collection modeled by 佐藤晴美! Online preorders open October 21 (Wednesday)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MIESROHE, a women’s fashion brand operated by 株式会社マッシュスタイルラボ, has unveiled visuals for its latest winter 2026 collection featuring 佐藤晴美 and will begin accepting online preorders on October 21.
【セサミストリートマーケット】November 2 is クッキーモンスター’s birthday! A playful new collection packed with クッキーモンスター and his favorite chocolate chip cookies〈October 22 (Thursday)〉
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
セサミストリートマーケット, operated by 株式会社マッシュスタイルラボ, will release a collection themed “ME LOVE COOKIES!” and special cafe menu on October 22 to celebrate クッキーモンスター’s birthday on November 2.
A seminar titled “The European DSF Frontier and a Consumer-Led Electricity Market,” featuring 株式会社DIVE COMPASS President and CEO 山本 英夫, will be held on November 19, 2026!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社新社会システム総合研究所 will host a seminar on November 19, 2026, featuring 山本英夫, president and CEO of 株式会社DIVE COMPASS, as the speaker. The seminar will focus on “The European DSF Frontier and a Consumer-Led Electricity Market.”
Video views surpass 600 million! Childcare artist 出口たかし launches a joint project with parenting support media babyco! New song “ZOO ZOO エクササイZOO!!” set for digital release on 10/21 (Wednesday)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
日本コロムビア announced that it will digitally release childcare artist 出口たかし’s new single “ZOO ZOO エクササイZOO!!” on October 21, 2026. The song is the first installment of a collaboration project with parenting support media babyco, and a live event to be held on the same day has also been announced.
Facts
Digital release on October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
On October 25 (Sunday)
Adults: ¥4,000
Children (elementary school age and younger): ¥1,000
The two-man show “アキナ囲碁将棋コント10本漫才10本,” featuring アキナ and 囲碁将棋, will be held at ルミネtheよしもと on December 17, 2026. The performance revives an event canceled last year, with a total of 20 routines.
“GMO賃貸DX MCPサーバー” becomes the first domestic DX service for rental property management listed in the “Claude” connector directory【GMO ReTech】
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GMO ReTech’s rental management DX service “GMO賃貸DX” has become the first domestic DX service for rental property management to be listed in the connector directory for “Claude,” the generative AI developed by U.S.-based Anthropic. Users can now connect simply by searching and adding it in Claude, and analyze data such as vacancy status and occupancy rates through AI.
DMM GAMES’s “SDガンダム ジージェネレーション エターナル” to launch the “1.5th Anniversary! Congratulations from DMM GAMES Campaign”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
DMM GAMES, operated by 合同会社EXNOA, will launch campaigns starting October 16, 2026, to celebrate the 1.5th anniversary of 株式会社バンダイナムコエンターテインメント’s game “SDガンダム ジージェネレーション エターナル.” The offers include half-price coupons and a campaign to split 1 million DMM points among participants.
【JAF山口】The more you visit, the greater your chance to win great prizes! “防府×周南ドライブスタンプラリー ＃実る近旅！” now underway
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
JAF’s Yamaguchi branch is supporting the “防府×周南ドライブスタンプラリー ＃実る近旅！” organized by 防府市・周南市観光連携推進協議会 by providing its system. Running from October 1 to December 31, the free campaign offers a chance to win great prizes by visiting 6 locations.
【JAF広島】Set off on an ambitious trip through Hiroshima, Miyajima and Iwakuni, packed with the best of Japan! Supporting the “広島・宮島・岩国地方お出かけスタンプラリー”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
JAF広島支部 is supporting the operation of the “広島・宮島・岩国地方お出かけスタンプラリー,” which runs from October 15, 2026, to February 28, 2027. Participants can enter a drawing for local specialties and other prizes by visiting 2 of the 20 locations across Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures.
JAF広島支部 is supporting the operation of the “宮島対岸リゾートエリア周遊スタンプラリー,” running from October 18 to December 20, 2026. Visit 23 locations across 3 areas on the opposite shore from Miyajima for a chance to win hot spring vouchers, accommodation vouchers and more.
Facts
Oct. 18, 2026
Dec. 20
3 areas
4 or more
100 winners
1 winner
5 winners
10 pieces per pack
500 yen
Companies mentioned：JAF、一般社団法人日本自動車連盟、JAF広島支部、宮島お砂焼まつり実行委員会、大野町商工会、旅館かんざき、湯の宿 宮浜グランドホテル、宮島離れの宿 IBUKU、庭園の宿 石亭、ペンションあんばらんす、宮島リゾート ハウオリ、天然温泉べにまんさくの湯、グローバルリゾートONO de LUNE、グローバルリゾート弥山、まちの駅 ADOA大野、やまだ屋 おおのファクトリーショップ、田舎茶屋わたや大野店、安芸グランドホテル、界 宮島、宮島コーラルホテル、BOND COMFORT HOTEL MIYAJIMAGUCHI、宮島焼 窯元 対厳堂、川原圭斎窯、小熊屋咖喱 宮島口店、花見堂、Gelateria＆Factory Loop、あなごめし うえの、はつかいち・みやじま情報センター、山根対厳堂
This much content at this price!? Don’t miss out on this satisfying deal! Special omnibus edition campaign now on!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社講談社 is running a campaign from October 16 to 31, 2026, offering omnibus editions of titles including 『進撃の巨人』 and 『FAIRY TAIL』 for a base price of 45 yen.
Facts
Base price: 45 yen
20th anniversary of serialization
Content equivalent to volumes 5–6 of the tankōbon edition
Companies mentioned：株式会社講談社、Apple Books、アニメイトブックストア、Amebaマンガ、ebookjapan、auブックパス、GANMA!、紀伊國屋書店Kinoppy、ギャラクシーコミック、Kindle、恋コミ、コミックシーモア、コミックフェスタ、comipo、dアニメストア、DMMブックス、Hulu、フジテレビオンデマンド、BOOK☆WALKER、ブックライブ、ブッコミ、honto、まんが王国、漫画全巻ドットコム、マンガBANG!、マンガボックス、めちゃコミック、MelonBooks Comic+、yodobashi.com、LINEマンガ、楽天Kobo電子書籍ストア、Reader Store
Celebrating the release of volume 14 of 『すだちの魔王城』, its 5th serialization anniversary and the anime adaptation announcement! Special acrylic block giveaway campaign now on!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A special acrylic block giveaway campaign and a free-reading campaign will be held to celebrate the release of volume 14 of 『すだちの魔王城』, its 5th serialization anniversary and the announcement of its anime adaptation.
Video featuring Aika Sawaguchi and “Yancha Goods” released! She chose that cover from 『1日外出録ハンチョウ』
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ヤンマガCLUB, operated by 株式会社講談社, has released a video and interview featuring gravure idol Aika Sawaguchi, who designed an item themed around 『1日外出録ハンチョウ』 for the 2nd installment of the self-design service “Yancha Goods.”
Eat an enemy within 4 seconds or die! Survive by devouring your way through this high-speed roguelike action game, 『4DEAD』—demo available today!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
講談社ゲームラボ announced that it has released a demo of the high-speed roguelike action game 『4DEAD』 on Steam today, and that the game will be showcased at Steam Next Fest, which begins October 20. The game is scheduled for release in January 2027. It is being developed by Kishiro and published by 株式会社講談社.
Facts
Eat an enemy within 4 seconds or die
Coming to Steam in January 2027
Steam Next Fest opens Tuesday, October 20
The demo began rolling out over 4 consecutive days
Up to the mid-boss battle on the debuting ２nd stage
Special guest: comedian Barbie! Applications open for FRaU×花王×小杉湯原宿’s “ゆったり銭湯 2026 がんばった私にThank湯〜！”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社講談社’s FRaU, together with 花王株式会社 and the bathhouse 小杉湯原宿, will hold a bathhouse event on November 19, 2026, for “women who have worked hard.” Comedian Barbie will appear as a special guest, and the program will include a talk show and bathing activities.
『抹殺ゴスゴッズ』 and 『封鎖館の魔』 author Katsunori Asukabe’s latest full-length novel, 『フィフス3』, to be published as a doujinshi by ㈱書泉 under “芳林堂書店と、10冊”! Reservations open Friday, October 16‼
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社書泉 will publish Katsunori Asukabe’s latest full-length novel, 『フィフス3』, as a doujinshi, with reservations opening on October 16, 2026.
株式会社アルマビアンカ announced that “柊あおい POP UP SHOP in マルイ” will open at 上野マルイ on October 30, 2026, through AMNIBUS, its online store for original manga and anime merchandise.
株式会社アルマビアンカ and 梅田スカイビル will hold a collaboration event with the anime 『僕のヒーローアカデミア』 from October 30 to November 30, 2026. Admission ticket sets, original merchandise and drinks will be available for purchase.
Facts
Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Monday, Nov. 30
Adults (middle school students and older): 2,800 yen (tax included)
Elementary school students and younger (ages 4–12): 1,200 yen (tax included)
株式会社アルマビアンカ will exhibit within the コナミアーケードゲームス booth at “アミューズメント エキスポ2026,” taking place at Tokyo Big Sight from November 6–7, 2026, and will offer merchandise from 5 titles, including 『beatmania IIDX』, ahead of its general release.
Facts
November 6 (Friday), 2026–November 7 (Saturday), 2026
For every 3,000 yen (tax included) spent on merchandise
Dengeki no Shin Bungei’s 『奴隷からの期待と評価のせいで搾取できないのだが』 gets a TV anime adaptation! Latest volume ５ goes on sale today, October 16!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA has announced a TV anime adaptation of the novel 『奴隷からの期待と評価のせいで搾取できないのだが』, published under Dengeki no Shin Bungei. It also announced that the latest volume 5 of the original novel went on sale October 16.
Facts
We announced on October 3 that Dengeki no Shin Bungei’s 『奴隷からの期待と評価のせいで搾取できないのだが』 is getting a TV anime adaptation
The latest volume 5 of the original novel went on sale today, October 16
Original2026年10月3日の「電撃文庫 秋の祭典オンライン2026 powered by ABEMA」にて
List price: 1,980 yen (base price 1,800 yen + tax)
The Japanese edition of the official 『勝利の女神：NIKKE』 fanbook, essential for commanders, is set for release on February 10, 2027!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA Game Linkage announced that the Japanese edition of the official 『勝利の女神：NIKKE』 anthology fanbook will be released on February 10, 2027. Reservations are being accepted for the standard edition and the ebtenDX Pack, which includes premium merchandise.
Facts
Feb. 10, 2027
3,520 yen
180 pages
17,270 yen
8 types
Companies mentioned：株式会社KADOKAWA Game Linkage、株式会社KADOKAWA、D&C MEDIA、SHIFT UP CORP.、エビテン[ebten]
2 works from the vertical-scroll BL comics label ビーリュクス/B-Luxe are getting full-color comic editions! “Who Do I Fall Into Debauchery For?” and “The Strongest Consort” go on sale simultaneously on Friday, October 16, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA announced that the 2 works “Who Do I Fall Into Debauchery For?” and “The Strongest Consort,” from its vertical-scroll BL comics label ビーリュクス/B-Luxe, will be released simultaneously as full-color comic editions on October 16, 2026.
Plastic model of Nino Nakano from the TV special anime The Quintessential Quintuplets∽ available for preorder starting October 16, 2026! Recreate her appearance from the anime with a wealth of optional parts!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA will begin taking preorders for a plastic model of Nino Nakano from the TV special anime The Quintessential Quintuplets∽ on October 16, 2026, with release planned for March 2027.
Plastic model of Miku Nakano from the TV special anime The Quintessential Quintuplets∽ available for preorder starting October 16, 2026! Recreate her appearance from the anime with a wealth of optional parts!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA will begin taking preorders for a plastic model of Miku Nakano from the TV special anime The Quintessential Quintuplets∽ on October 16, 2026, with release planned for March 2027.
Official puzzle game [Oshi no Ko] Puzzle Star launches new featured gacha “[Monologue Under the Moon] Ai” today! Ai and MEM-cho appear
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社KADOKAWA is holding a new featured gacha, “[Monologue Under the Moon] Ai,” in the official puzzle game [Oshi no Ko] Puzzle Star from October 16, 2026, and has also introduced a new event and revamped the card-upgrade feature.
Launch and imaging plans for the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft equipped with a Super Hi-Vision camera
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Mars moon exploration spacecraft MMX, equipped with a Super Hi-Vision camera jointly developed by NHK and JAXA, is scheduled to launch aboard an H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center on October 20, 2026. The plan is to record 8K and 4K images from the outbound journey to the Martian system through the return journey to Earth, and share them through broadcasts.
A massive collection of 300,000 new and used items across 3 floors‼ Large hobby store “駿河屋 溝ノ口店” opens on Thursday, December 10!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
駿河屋 announced that it will revamp its “駿河屋 文教堂溝ノ口買取センター,” located along the Den-en-toshi, Oimachi and Nambu lines, and open it as the large hobby store “駿河屋 溝ノ口店” on December 10. The sales floor will exceed 1,000 m², with approximately 300,000 items, including a wide selection of anime merchandise and figures.
A new brand developed by a venerable German manufacturer, チョコファン, launches
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社巴商事 has launched the new brand チョコファン in the Japanese market, manufactured by Germany’s ルードヴィッヒ・ショコラーデ社. Amid price hikes driven by the weak yen and rising raw material costs, the company aims to prevent consumers from turning away by offering “real chocolate” made with cocoa butter and without relying on vegetable oils.
Artivation launches “business interviews,” where companies simply answer AI questions for 5 minutes, to develop its industry-specific AI business package “AAP”; targets companies in advertising, real estate, construction and wholesale, and completely revamps its corporate website
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Artivation株式会社 has launched 5-minute AI-led business interviews targeting 4 industries—advertising, real estate, construction and wholesale—as it develops its industry-specific AI business package “AAP.” It has also completely revamped its corporate website.
New hub “omotecho HOUSE B” opens in Omotecho, Okayama, offering a place to discover “the next way of living” through architecture and art
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
HARELYA premium, operated by 株式会社ヤマホン, will open a new hub, “omotecho HOUSE B,” in Omotecho, Kita Ward, Okayama City, in October 2026, and host an exhibition and talk event featuring architect Yushi Itaya.
Facts
October 2026
120 years since founding
From Saturday, October 24, 2026, through Sunday, November 22
HARELYA premium begins recruiting homeowners for its “MASSHIRO COMPETITION” public showcase monitor program [limited to 3 households]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
HARELYA premium, operated by 株式会社ヤマホン, announced the “MASSHIRO COMPETITION” for private homes in August 2026 and began recruiting homeowners for its public showcase monitor program, limited to 3 households. The service brings to residential projects the design competition approach used for public buildings, enabling multiple architects to submit proposals under the same conditions.
[Accident Treatment Navi investigation!] Verified 6,859 osteopathic clinics and orthopedic clinics that handle traffic accidents, one by one | Found closures or information discrepancies at about 1 in every 27 clinics
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
事故治療ナビ (iput株式会社) checked 6,859 osteopathic clinics and orthopedic clinics that handle traffic accidents and found closures or information discrepancies at a rate of about 1 in every 27 clinics.
株式会社AuthenticAI has launched an integration with the e-commerce platform Shopify for its generative AI platform Maison AI. The feature allows users to edit product data and check order information, and also supports access permissions tailored to each user.
ipe to exhibit at Sales & Digital Marketing Week 2026 Autumn, Oct. 21–23 (Makuhari Messe)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ipe will exhibit at the Digital Marketing EXPO, part of Sales & Digital Marketing Week 2026 Autumn, to be held at Makuhari Messe from Oct. 21 to 23, 2026, showcasing its GEO/LLMO analysis tool AKARUMI (アカルミ) and LLMO consulting services.
DYM conducts in-house influenza vaccinations to support employee health
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社DYM conducted in-house influenza vaccinations on Oct. 5 and 6, 2026, for employees who wished to receive them, as part of its efforts to support employee health management.
Facts
Original2026年10月5日（月）・6日（火）の2日間
Capital: 50 million yen
Revenue: ¥32.46 billion (22nd term)
¥40.17 billion (23rd fiscal term)
3,039 consolidated employees (as of April 1, 2026)
Invoice purchasing service “ワンバンク請求書買取” for sole proprietors now offers year-round, 24-hour transfers; funds deposited in as little as 10 minutes after approval
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社スマートバンク has made all steps, from application to transfer, available year-round and 24 hours a day for its invoice purchasing service “ワンバンク請求書買取” for sole proprietors, effective Oct. 13, 2026, and shortened the time to deposit funds after approval to as little as 10 minutes.
Facts
Starting October 13, 2026
Year-round, 24-hour service (※1)
Shortened to as little as 10 minutes (※2)
The freelance population reached 13.03 million as of 2024, among other trends
28.1% of freelancers said they had experienced not being paid within 60 days
[M League] Joint fan public viewing for EX風林火山 and KONAMI麻雀格闘倶楽部 to be held at Higashibetsuin Terrace Hall in Nagoya on Friday, Dec. 4, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A joint fan public viewing for EX風林火山 and KONAMI麻雀格闘倶楽部 will be held at Higashibetsuin Terrace Hall in Nagoya on Dec. 4, 2026. The event is organized by メ～テレ and others.
レンタル819 enables 24-hour, multilingual responses to motorcycle rental inquiries with Agentforce adoption — AI agents handle the equivalent of 960 hours of human work and achieve a 90% response rate
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社セールスフォース・ジャパン announced that 株式会社キズキレンタルサービス has adopted the AI agent platform “Agentforce.” The platform enables 24-hour, multilingual responses to motorcycle rental inquiries and, over approximately 6 months, handled the equivalent of about 960 hours of human work while achieving a 90% response rate.
Facts
Approximately 100 stores nationwide
130 response scenarios
AI agents handled 6,383 inquiries
Of these, 61% were inquiries received outside business hours, when calls had previously gone unanswered
Taipei stocks opened higher and fluctuated today, closing up 141.39 points at 47111.26, a gain of 0.3%, with trading value reaching NT$935.959 billion.
Tainan's new station to open on the 17th; convenience stores and cosmetics retailers move in, with 20 brands expected by year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan's underground railway station will open on Oct. 17. 台鐵 has brought in private operators including Lakeshore International, Dachehe and Xiyuan. Brands including 康是美 and 7-ELEVEN will be part of the first-day trial operations, and 20 brands are expected to move in by year-end.
Hong Kong promotes yacht economy; first mainland Chinese yachts approved to enter Hong Kong today
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The first 5 yachts from mainland China have been approved to enter Hong Kong under the “Yue Yachts Southbound” measure, and will dock at the Discovery Bay Marina Club. The Hong Kong government is committed to developing the yacht economy, aiming to make the city an Asian yachting hub and expand related infrastructure.
Legislature passes Elderly Welfare Act amendment on third reading; central government to cover health insurance premiums for seniors with income tax rates below 20%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to Article 22 of the Elderly Welfare Act on third reading, stipulating that the central government will fully subsidize National Health Insurance premiums for economically disadvantaged seniors whose individual income tax rate is below 20%.
Man provided a stand-in boarding pass to help Chinese woman enter Australia illegally; second-instance court still sentences him to 9 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Chien, acting on instructions from a human-smuggling ring, provided a stand-in boarding pass to help a Chinese woman enter Australia illegally. The second-instance court upheld the first-instance sentence of 9 months in prison.
President Lai visits centenarians, personally presents gold lockets and wishes them health and longevity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of the Double Ninth Festival, President Lai Ching-te visited centenarians Liao Chung-yu and Chien Lin Chin-kuei in Yilan, personally presenting and placing gold lockets on them and wishing them good health, longevity and family peace.
鄭照新 accused of answering for 蔣萬安: says he only relayed remarks from Taichung City Government's executive meeting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung Deputy Mayor 鄭照新 clarified allegations that he answered on behalf of Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安, saying he only relayed remarks made by 台中市政府 at an Executive Yuan meeting. The misunderstanding arose because 蔣萬安 left the scene after speaking to reporters.
Facts
2026 Taichung Star Ignition Project
Heads of the six special municipalities at the Executive Yuan meeting
國民黨團 proposes increasing universal cash payments to NT$20,000; 立法院 sends bill directly to second reading
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國民黨團 proposed increasing universal cash payments to NT$20,000. With the support of the blue-and-white camp's majority, 立法院 voted to send the proposal directly to a second reading, with 國民黨團 responsible for convening cross-party negotiations.
MSCI weighs downgrading market classification; Indonesian stocks plunge 11%, triggering trading halt
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Index provider MSCI is considering downgrading Indonesia from an emerging market to a standalone market, prompting fears of foreign capital outflows and sending the Jakarta Composite Index plunging more than 11%, triggering a trading halt.
中經院 estimates Taiwan dollar to rise in Q4, with an average rate of 31.82
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中經院 forecasts an average exchange rate of 31.82 for the Taiwan dollar against the U.S. dollar in Q4 of 2026, and an annual average of about 31.76. It also sharply raised its forecast for economic growth in 2026 to 12.16%.
Facts
Average Taiwan dollar-U.S. dollar exchange rate of 31.82 in Q4
Annual average of about 31.76
2026 economic growth forecast raised to 12.16%
Full-year consumer price index (CPI) inflation forecast also raised to 2.06%
High-speed rail to add double-deck luggage racks to 700T trains; 34 trainsets to be retrofitted by year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As part of its “High Speed Rail 2.0” plan, 台灣高鐵 is upgrading its 700T trains. The first train equipped with double-deck luggage racks entered service on the 15th. Each train can now hold 106 suitcases, up from 61, and retrofitting of 34 trainsets is expected to be completed by year-end.
Facts
Entered service on the 15th
Increased from 61 to 106
Expected to complete installation of double-deck luggage racks on 34 trainsets by the end of this year
Officially entered service on Oct. 15
Can hold 106 28-inch suitcases
106 28-inch suitcases
There will be 19 large-luggage areas
There were only 6 large-luggage areas
Can hold only about 80 suitcases
Still limited to large luggage measuring 26 inches or more
Warehouse fire in Hualien in the dead of night; sheet-metal roof buckles, firefighter falls and is taken to hospital
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A warehouse on Beipu Road in Xincheng Township, Hualien County, caught fire in the early hours, with flames spreading to 5 homes. A member of a special rescue unit surnamed Chiu fell while fighting the fire on a sheet-metal roof on the second floor after it buckled, suffering a fractured tailbone and being taken to hospital for treatment.
8 students fall ill in suspected food safety incident at 天母國中; Taipei City says samples sent for testing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A suspected food safety incident occurred at 天母國中 in Taipei City, with 8 students feeling unwell after a meal. The Education Department has collected samples and sent them for testing. The food service provider is 愛欣食品有限公司, and test results are expected in 2 weeks.
New base for industry-academia collaboration; construction begins on national key fields inter-university research and education park
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Construction has begun on Kaohsiung's National Key Fields Inter-University Research and Education Park, which encompasses 6 major projects, including bases for 清大 and 陽明交大. The project aims to turn university research capabilities into industrial competitiveness.
Facts
Encompasses 6 major projects, including bases for 清大 and 陽明交大
Officially launches the park's three major bases, A, B and C
Guangfu levee project demolishes Indigenous workers' dormitory without warning; Ninth River Management Office admits fault
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A brother and sister surnamed Ho from the Atomo community in Guangfu Township, Hualien, alleged that their workers' dormitory was demolished without warning before a compensation negotiation meeting, while they were cooperating with the government's levee project on the right bank of the Hualien River. 水利署第九河川分署 admitted that it failed to notify the contractor when the negotiated purchase meeting was postponed, leading to work starting prematurely. It said the contractor must report and obtain confirmation before beginning work in the future.
Facts
Have owned this land for more than 30 years
Total construction length nearly 2.5 kilometers
100 meters wide
Assessment work completed in January this year
Expected to hold a negotiated purchase meeting for above-ground structures with 16 affected landowners on October 22
Asteroid named Kinmen; Kinmen National Park says cultural and conservation values will reach the stars
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An asteroid numbered 755922, discovered by 中央大學's 鹿林天文台, has been officially named “Kinmen” after a proposal by 金門國家公園 was approved by the 國際天文學聯合會. The move aims to extend Kinmen's historical and cultural heritage, as well as its natural and ecological value, into the cosmos.
Facts
Asteroid No. 755922
About 1 kilometer in diameter
Takes about 3.61 years to orbit the Sun
Closest distance to the Sun: about 269 million kilometers
蔣萬安 attends councilor's campaign office launch alongside 鄭麗文, touts record
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安 and KMT Chair 鄭麗文 attended the launch of councilor 秦慧珠's campaign headquarters. 蔣萬安 highlighted his record in office and stressed continued efforts to improve residents' lives, while 鄭麗文 urged mayoral candidates to take a firm stance against drugs.
President: Freezing fuel and electricity prices creates intangible value and benefits far exceeding government subsidies
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President 賴清德 said in an interview that stable fuel and electricity prices are the main reason Taiwan's CPI has remained stable, and that the intangible value created by government subsidies far exceeds their cost. He hopes the Legislative Yuan will approve additional funding to subsidize 中油 and 台電. He also explained that Taiwan's financial situation differs from South Korea's, that the central bank is independent and has not raised interest rates, and discussed policies on opening up to foreign migrant workers and attracting professional talent.
Facts
Mostly between 1.7% and 1.9%
2.73% in September this year
CPI will be below 2% next year
CPI in Japan, South Korea, the United States and Europe is about 9%
童子瑋 proposes transportation benefits: 600 extra points on senior cards and a 600-yuan TPASS subsidy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
DPP Keelung mayoral candidate 童子瑋 has proposed transportation benefits, including adding 600 points per month to senior cards for people aged 65 and above and expanding where they can be used. For commuters under 65 who purchase the North-North-Keelung-Taoyuan TPASS monthly pass, the city government would provide a monthly subsidy of NT$600.
AI office demand emerges in Neihu; Yao Da's 莊文欽 sees housing market next year outperforming this year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
達永機構 founder 莊文欽 said demand from the AI and technology sectors spilling over into Neihu, along with advancing transport infrastructure, have him optimistic that the housing market in 2027 will outperform this year. He also said banks' funding flows to the technology sector are crowding out financing for the construction industry.
Facts
Outlook for the housing market in 2027
Especially as 2028 is a presidential election year
The previous standard maximum deadline for starting construction was 18 months
Backing new book by Hu Zhengming, Wei Zhejia says falling 台積電 shares put him in a bad mood
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台積電 Chairman Wei Zhejia attended the new book launch by former CTO Hu Zhengming, candidly admitting that falling 台積電 shares had put him in a bad mood. He also shared his experience using ChatGPT to write a foreword, stressing that AI applications will drive demand for 台積電 chips.
Taiwan sends food aid overseas; 農業部農糧署: more than 20,000 metric tons of white rice to aid 17 countries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
農業部農糧署 announced that Taiwan's 2026 humanitarian food aid program will provide more than 24,876 metric tons of high-quality public stockpile rice, in cooperation with 外交部 and nonprofit organizations, to assist 17 countries in Africa, Central and South America, and Asia.
Riyadh airport attacked 20 times this month; UN Security Council condemns Houthi movement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The UN Security Council condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen, including 20 attacks on Riyadh airport this month. The statement affirmed Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense and accused the Houthi movement of threatening Red Sea shipping and attacking the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen.
China sanctions another company owned by Hsiao Po-yang's father; 邱垂正: all-out effort to safeguard election environment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國台辦 announced sanctions against another company owned by Hsiao Po-yang's father. 陸委會 Chair 邱垂正 said every effort would be made to safeguard the election environment from interference by the Chinese Communist Party.
Debate over Songshan Airport relocation; 徐國勇 urges 蔣萬安 to consult central government first
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安 proposed relocating Songshan Airport. 民進黨 Secretary-General 徐國勇 responded that the relocation requires careful assessment of needs including national defense, transportation and medical evacuations, and questioned whether 蔣萬安 had consulted the central government.
In support of sustainability, 台肥 partners with 點點綠市集 to promote a charitable food-recycling initiative
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台肥公司 is marking World Food Day by partnering with 點點綠市集 and 育成基金會 on a charitable food truck initiative, selling produce from local small farmers at MRT stations to support sustainable agriculture and provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities, creating a sustainable cycle.
Reports say investigators are about to act on alleged farm road widening corruption case; 吳秀華: clarify the facts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Investigators in Taitung are probing an alleged profiteering case involving the widening of farm roads, and may soon launch a major operation. 吳秀華, the KMT's Taitung County magistrate candidate, said it was good to clarify the facts; 民進黨 candidate 陳瑩 called on her to explain clearly.
Safety controversy over 華為's 尊界 V800; 3 Chinese agencies launch joint investigation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After reports that the brake pedal bracket on 華為's 尊界 V800 had fractured, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Cyberspace Administration of China and State Administration for Market Regulation announced the formation of a joint investigation team to look into the matter.
Facts
A joint investigation team will be formed by 3 agencies
APEC summit effect? Shenzhen bans honking starting in November
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To control noise pollution and accommodate the APEC summit, China's Shenzhen will implement a citywide ban on honking starting November 1, with violators subject to fines.
鴻海 integrates industry supply chain to roll out behind-the-meter energy storage battery system, targets mass production in first half of 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
鴻海 announced that it had signed a cooperation agreement with 東電綠能, 利佳興業, 盛齊綠能, a subsidiary of 盛達集團, and 晟瑞科技 to jointly develop a behind-the-meter energy storage system that meets domestic battery cell subsidy requirements, with mass production targeted for the first half of 2027.
US-Iran war disrupts sulfur supplies; fertilizer shortages could threaten food security in Asia and Africa
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The US-Iran war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a global sulfur shortage and driving prices sharply higher. Flush with cash from rising copper prices, mining companies are snapping up sulfur, forcing fertilizer manufacturers to cut production. The United Nations warned that Asia and Africa could face a food security crisis if a transport agreement is not reached.
Facts
Sulfur prices have surged to nearly 10 times their prewar level
Sulfur has typically cost 100 to 200 dollars per metric ton
This year, however, it has surged to nearly 1,000 dollars per metric ton
Copper prices are near the record high of nearly 15,000 dollars per metric ton
The company's profit in the first half of the year was still up nearly 1/3 from the same period last year
The mechanism can be activated within 7 to 10 days
石崇良: Fixed-wing aircraft safer for medical evacuations from outlying islands when landing at Songshan Airport
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
衛福部 Minister 石崇良 said fixed-wing aircraft are the main means of evacuating critically ill patients from outlying islands and are safer than helicopters when landing at Songshan Airport. Regarding Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安's proposal to relocate Songshan Airport and consider alternatives, 石崇良 stressed that supporting measures need careful discussion.