株式会社ココナラ establishes joint venture 株式会社ココナラエリス with AI security firm Elith
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ココナラ established the joint venture 株式会社ココナラエリス with AI security company Elith on Nov. 1, 2026. Capital is 10 million yen, and the investment ratio is 51% for ココナラ and 49% for Elith. The new company will plan, develop and sell AI security products and services for corporate customers.
株式会社Elith establishes joint venture 株式会社ココナラエリス with 株式会社ココナラ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Elith and 株式会社ココナラ established the joint venture 株式会社ココナラエリス as of Nov. 1, 2026. Capital is 10 million yen, and the investment ratio is 49% for Elith and 51% for ココナラ. The new company will plan, develop and sell AI security products and services.
TWOSTONE&Sons Group establishes joint venture "TWOSTONE Fabric" in which top engineers handle every process
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社TWOSTONE&Sons established the joint venture 株式会社TWOSTONE Fabric, which handles cloud development, AI utilization and more, on Nov. 1, 2026, with joint investment from Hiroki Hirano.
[Event] "Kikutange," an event to experience Kenzo Tange's architecture through music and culture, to be held! Lecture by Toyo Ito, concert by Satoko Shibata and Shuta Hasunuma, and a marché of about 30 shops
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
"Kikutange," an event marking the 40th anniversary of the 愛媛県県民文化会館, will be held on Nov. 22, 2026. It consists of a lecture by Toyo Ito, a talk show and concert by Satoko Shibata and Shuta Hasunuma, and a marché with about 30 shops exhibiting. Admission is free. The organizer is えひめ文化振興コンソーシアム, and the management is by 株式会社エス・ピー・シー.
Facts
This event is held as part of the commemorative project "Tangekenbun" for the 愛媛県県民文化会館, which marked its 40th anniversary in May 2026.
Date and time: Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026, 12:30-18:00
A marché will be held with about 30 shops gathering from inside and outside the prefecture.
Lecture from 13:00 / Sub Hall
Talk show from 14:50, concert from 15:50 / Sub Hall
Kashiwa-focused local information media "Kashiwap" surpasses 300 listed stores 24 days after official launch
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
"Kashiwap," a local information medium focused on Kashiwa City and operated by 株式会社プラッタ, surpassed 300 listed stores on Nov. 1, the 24th day after its official launch. It has also started a review-posting campaign targeting restaurants.
Stadium to lend "Personal Information Mute Pro" free of charge to local governments and public-interest corporations to support response to cyberattack risks
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社スタジアム will lend dedicated devices of "Personal Information Mute Pro," which automatically identifies and silences personal information in call recordings, free of charge for 1 month to the first 10 organizations, targeting consultation desks of local governments, public-interest corporations and others. Audio data is processed within the device without being sent externally, and participating organizations are being recruited from Nov. 2 to 15, 2026.
Facts
Ransomware damage recognized in Japan in the first half of 2026 totaled 123 cases, the highest ever for a half-year period
The first round will recruit 10 organizations, and each will be lent a dedicated device free of charge for 1 month.
Stadium offers "Personal Information Mute" in 4 forms to support response to cyberattack risks and use of voice data
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社スタジアム has expanded the forms in which its "Personal Information Mute" service, which automatically identifies and silences personal information in call recordings, is offered to 4.
Launch of integration between 自治体AI zevo and the reservation and application form creation service "otetsuzuki": just describe the form you want in text and AI creates a draft
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Shiftplus will offer the integration between 自治体AI zevo and otetsuzuki from Oct. 22, 2026. When the content of the desired form is entered as text, AI can create a draft, which can be saved and published after review and adjustment. The integration itself incurs an additional fee, and contracts for both services and initial integration setup are required.
Facts
Became available as of Oct. 22, 2026
シフトプラス株式会社 was established in Dec. 2006 in Nishi Ward, Osaka
It has 29 offices across Japan
The system has been adopted by more than 540 local governments from Hokkaido to Kyushu
(as of the end of Sept. 2026)
The system manages about 50% of donations nationwide in Japan
Dynamic Map Platform opens official IR note and joins "IR note Magazine," communicating the background of its business and growth strategy
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ダイナミックマッププラットフォーム株式会社 opened an official IR note on the media platform "note" for shareholders and investors and announced its participation in "IR note Magazine."
株式会社Hajimari announced that it has welcomed Ryota Seike as head of HR and general manager of HR University as of Nov. 2, 2026. Seike has experience in HR and organizational fields at AGC, アクセンチュア, DeNA, ビズリーチ, パートナーズ and others. Hajimari has grown to about 15 billion yen in revenue in 11 years since its founding and aims for 100 billion yen in revenue in 2035.
GA technologies announces appointment of new executive officers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GA technologies appointed Masamichi Tanaka as Senior Executive Officer and CSO, and Yuki Narita as Executive Officer and SVP of Real Estate Finance, effective Nov. 1, 2026.
Facts
Effective Nov. 1, 2026
Securities code: 3491
Posted to Germany and Italy for 4 years
Engaged in product planning and technology planning for 10 years
Served as an evangelist for 3 years
Served as business head for 7 years
Approximately 9 years in real estate finance
Assets under management exceeding 10 trillion yen
Established: March 2013
Companies mentioned：株式会社 GA technologies、キヤノン株式会社、ソニー株式会社、日本マイクロソフト株式会社、PwC US、株式会社ウフル、アマゾンウェブサービスジャパン、AWS、住友不動産販売株式会社、住友不動産ステップ株式会社、株式会社三井住友銀行、東急不動産株式会社、日本GLP株式会社
Effective November 1, 2026, イタンジ株式会社 appoints 濵田雄斗 as Executive Officer and CAIO, and 岡田守浩 as Executive Officer and Head of Sales. The newly created CAIO position aims to advance company-wide AI strategy, integrate data and AI infrastructure, develop talent, and strengthen governance.
Facts
Executive officer appointments effective November 1, 2026
No. 1 usage rate among brokerage firms for 4 consecutive years across 4 rental real estate business support services
Approximately 1.13 million cases per year
Approximately 430,000 cases per year
Reduction of approximately 12.92 million sheets of paper per year
Introduces the dynamic, beautiful forms and ecology of horses in Japan and around the world through striking photographs. The definitive horse encyclopedia, it also covers the relationships between horses and people and their history in various regions.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hiroya Minakuchi presents the ecology, culture and history of horses in Japan and around the world through photographs and contributions from experts-April Calories.
Facts
8 native Japanese horse breeds
More than approximately 4000 years ago
Until the steam locomotive appeared in the 18th century
AB format, 160 pages
3,740 yen (tax included)
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026
Born in 1953
Became independent as a freelancer in 1984
Won the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Photography in 1991 for Orca Again
TAC株式会社 and 一般財団法人 国際ビジネスコミュニケーション協会 (IIBC) will hold an online seminar on November 14, 2026, explaining Part 1 and Part 6 of the TOEIC® L&R TEST and how to use the official materials. Survey respondents will also receive a discount coupon for TAC's preparatory courses.
Facts
■Date and time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 14:00 to 15:00
Anticipating mandatory stress checks in 2028, Recurrent to launch mental health care service mezzanine.® on Nov. 2
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社リカレント will launch the corporate mental health care service mezzanine.® on November 2, 2026, aimed at preventing turnover at small companies, in anticipation of stress checks becoming mandatory in April 2028 for workplaces with fewer than 50 employees.
Facts
Stress checks scheduled to become mandatory in April 2028 for workplaces with fewer than 50 employees
We will begin on November 2, 2026
Mandatory stress checks for workplaces with fewer than 50 employees
Securing and retaining talent (74.2%)
Original再調達コスト（採用費・人件費等）は1名あたり約250万円
9.5% in 2013
Surged to 19.7%, approximately 2 times
Increased 3 times in 10 years
25,000 career consultants
More than 3,000 EAP mental health counselors
Stress check (57 questions + 7 WOS questions)
7 WOS questions
Group analysis and results briefing session (30 minutes)
"GAB Mock Exam" now offered by 就活の教科書, with a cumulative 100 million page views
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Synergy Career has released the "GAB Mock Exam," a web-based GAB practice test that lets users take GAB verbal, numerical, English and personality tests free of charge by subject, along with the "GAB Question Collection" of 292 questions in total, on the job-hunting information site 就活の教科書, which has a cumulative 100 million page views.
An original page-a-day calendar combining the words of author Chiyo Uno, also in the spotlight as the model for the NHK morning drama "Blossom," with illustrations by comedian and manga artist Taro Yabe! "[Page-a-Day] Days with Chiyo Uno: 31 Words That Bring Happiness"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ヨシモトブックス, the publishing label of Yoshimoto Kogyo, will release on December 24, 2026 the page-a-day calendar "[Page-a-Day] Days with Chiyo Uno: 31 Words That Bring Happiness," featuring the words of author Chiyo Uno and illustrations by comedian and manga artist Taro Yabe.
85.5% of manufacturers are anxious about passing on skills. University of Tokyo startup OptiMax launches skills transfer service "Dr. Anmokuchi" that turns AI interviews into assets, preserving experts' "judgments not in the manuals."
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
University of Tokyo startup OptiMax has launched "Dr. Anmokuchi," a skills transfer service that uses AI to visualize experts' tacit knowledge. It aims to solve the skills succession challenge in manufacturing.
Facts
株式会社OptiMax has launched the skills transfer service "Dr. Anmokuchi."
85.5% of manufacturers are anxious about future skills succession.
Original技能継承への不安の理由の1位は「熟練技能者の高齢化・退職」である。
Dr.暗黙知 asks skilled workers questions using interview techniques from cognitive science.
Dr.暗黙知 mainly targets manufacturers with 100 or more employees.
According to the 2026 edition of the Monozukuri White Paper, 21.7% of companies cited "smoother skills transfer" as a purpose for using digital technologies.
Among manufacturing establishments that reported problems with human resource development, 62.8% said they lack personnel to provide instruction.
[whyme] Free study site for the small and medium-sized M&A qualification exam, "M&A Kentei Drill," released in beta
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On Nov. 1, 2026, whyme株式会社 released the beta version of "M&A Kentei Drill," a free study site for the small and medium-sized M&A qualification exam. It offers 890 practice questions, mock exams and more free of charge until the end of Jan. 2027, supporting study for the new exam to be run by 経済産業省.
Shuichi Okubo appointed Executive Vice President and Executive Officer of 株式会社VLCセキュリティ
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Effective Nov. 1, 2026, 株式会社VLCセキュリティ appointed Shuichi Okubo as Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, tasking him with leading the strengthening of its sales structure and brand through collaboration with sales partners.
Facts
Effective Nov. 1, 2026
Experience of more than 25 years leading business launches in the cybersecurity industry
[Free] NPO IT支援ネットワーク opens applications for "Salesforce and Data Management Hands-on Support" for nonprofit organizations
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NPO IT支援ネットワーク has opened applications for "Salesforce and Data Management Hands-on Support," a free IT support program for nonprofit organizations. Working IT engineers will volunteer on a pro bono basis to help with organizing donor and member data, using Salesforce, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, and introducing AI. It is recruiting pro bono members as well as organizations to receive support.
Facts
Cost: Free (no fees whatsoever are charged for the support)
Our organization will contact you with the date for an online interview (about 30 minutes)
Making calls is no longer painful. Launching "Callflow," a SaaS for inside sales
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Callflow will officially offer "Callflow," a SaaS for inside sales, from Nov. 2, 2026. It consolidates calling, recording, analysis, nurturing and more in one place, and is accepting early adopters for AI calling. It also aims to expand to all phone-related work, such as phone reception and inquiry handling.
Dialogue Art 2026 opens Sunday, Nov. 8! Works from 3 programs, "A.I.R," "SIGNALS" and "IN HOSPITAL," to be unveiled
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
"Dialogue Art 2026," organized by 一般社団法人ナナイロ, will be held in Matsumoto City in Nov. 2026. Aiming to create points of contact between people with disabilities and citizens, it features artist residencies and exhibitions of works by people from diverse backgrounds.
Facts
一般社団法人ナナイロ will hold "Dialogue Art 2026" in Matsumoto City from Nov. 8 to Nov. 22, 2026.
According to survey data, 51.9% of people in Japan have never interacted with a person with a disability.
The guest artist for the A.I.R program is Aleksandra Kossowska, a photographer based in Poland.
Grand Prize of "Toyokawa Souvenir Grand Prix 2026" goes to "Shirogitsune no Shippo"! 6 products that passed the preliminary round from 29 products compete
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
At the "Toyokawa Souvenir Grand Prix 2026," organized by the Toyokawa Junior Chamber International, Atmos's "Shirogitsune no Shippo" won the Grand Prize and Yobitaya's "Medetai Zenzai" won the Chef's Award. 6 products competed, and the winning products will be sold during the Gokaicho period.
Facts
一般社団法人豊川青年会議所 held the "Toyokawa Souvenir Grand Prix 2026" at Toyokawa Inari on Oct. 11, 2026.
The Grand Prize went to Atmos's "Shirogitsune no Shippo."
The Chef's Award went to Yobitaya's "Medetai Zenzai."
6 products that passed the preliminary round from 29 entries competed in the final.
The Grand Prize-winning product is scheduled to be sold at the souvenir stand on the grounds of Toyokawa Inari during the Gokaicho period.
"BUILDY NOTE" launches AI option. AI streamlines entry and reconciliation of subcontractors' quotes and invoices
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社フィックス will launch an AI option for "BUILDY NOTE," its construction management system for the construction industry, on Nov. 1, 2026. It offers 4 functions: importing quotes and invoices and reconciling them with order data, schedule registration, and operation support via AI chat, with a monthly base fee plus usage-based charges.
Facts
- Launch date: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
From document entry and reconciliation to screen operation. 4 AI functions
- Early access: From Oct. 7, 2026, free early access for some of the existing users who requested to use it
In addition, on Nov. 30, 2026, we plan to support quote creation using bugakari (labor and material unit rates) as well.
The number of companies using it has surpassed 2,000.
Free consultations of about 30 minutes are available.
Smart Dental Checkup™ to be exhibited at the 36th National Conference of the Japan Society for Occupational Health
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
デンタルドア株式会社 will exhibit at the "36th National Conference of the Japan Society for Occupational Health," to be held in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, from Nov. 5 to 7, 2026, presenting demonstrations of "Smart Dental Checkup™," dispatch-based dental checkups, and a dental checkup system for checkup providers.
Facts
Original2026年11月5日（木）～7日（土）
36th National Conference of the Japan Society for Occupational Health
People with headaches right now can be seen on a map. The free app Zutsunote, developed by a headache specialist, unveils its first "Real-Time Headache Map"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Iris Wellness, which provides the free headache diary app Zutsunote developed by a headache specialist, unveiled the "Real-Time Headache Map," which visualizes the share of headache patients over the past 24 hours, for the first time on Oct. 31, 2026.
Facts
The Real-Time Headache Map displays the share of headache patients over the past 24 hours, color-coded by prefecture.
No registration or login is required to participate in the Real-Time Headache Map.
bJAMP® Shirēru, a service providing bidding, subsidy and recruitment information! A low-priced "1-User Limited Membership" plan that individuals can also use has been released! Small businesses and sole proprietors can also use bidding and subsidy information in their business.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Jiji Press Business Support released a "1-User Limited Membership" plan for individuals for the bidding and subsidy information service "bJAMP Shirēru" on Nov. 1. At 5,500 yen per month, it becomes available to small businesses and licensed professionals.
Facts
時事通信ビジネスサポート株式会社 released an individual plan for the bidding and subsidy information service "bJAMP Shirēru" on Nov. 1.
The monthly fee for the 1-User Limited Membership plan is 5,500 yen (tax included).
Under the 1-User Limited Membership plan, the B2B procurement service (Kaēru) and the B2B marketplace (Urēru) cannot be used.
The minimum contract period for the 1-User Limited Membership plan is 1 year, and cancellation in less than 1 year is not possible.
Choosing annual payment gives a 10% discount compared with the annual cost of monthly payment.
For applications through a sales partner, annual payment earns a 20% discount.
Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis has been selected for "Chambers & Partners Spotlight Florida 27" in recognition of its outstanding achievements in the field of securities law.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Anthony, Linder & Cacomanolis, PLLC received high praise in the field of securities law and was selected for Chambers & Partners' "Spotlight Florida 2027." It has opened a new office in Tokyo, hired Japanese-speaking attorneys, and supports business exchange between the United States and Japan.
Facts
ALC opened a new office in Tokyo and hired 2 attorneys fluent in Japanese.
Chambers & Partners' ratings are determined by examining legal practice expertise, professional ethics, client service and other factors.
"SS/TOOL-ADV for AI," which enables searching and analyzing IBM i program assets in Japanese, goes on sale
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アイエステクノポート will release "SS/TOOL-ADV for AI," a program analysis and generative AI integration tool for IBM i, on Nov. 2, 2026. Natural-language search in Japanese, change impact analysis and more can be performed from an AI client, and an "SS/TOOL-ADV AI Option" is also offered for existing customers.
Survey of AI responses about mail-order sites: ディノス leads in mention rate at 20.8% for "product search," while ベルメゾン leads at 24.6% for "problem solving"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社プレティアジャパン put questions to generative AI about 10 mail-order sites and analyzed the mention rate of mail-order sites and the citation rate of official sites in AI responses. It found that the sites that appear differ depending on the content of the question.
Facts
For questions about product discovery, ディノス led with a mention rate of 20.8% (242/1,164 responses).
For problem solving, ベルメゾン led with 24.6% (283/1,150 responses).
Across 80 questions and 4,674 valid responses, ディノス led with a mention rate of 15.0% (701 responses).
The main finding this time is that the sites whose names come up and the way official pages are cited differ depending on what is asked of the AI.
[Held Thursday, Nov. 19] WAVE3 x SHIFT joint webinar "AI That Opens Up Possibilities, Workplaces That Connect: The Future of Employment and Work Support for People with Disabilities"
In July 2026, the statutory employment rate for people with disabilities at private companies was raised to 2.7%.
As a result, it achieved a reduction of workload equivalent to 1,800 hours per year and improved ease of working, and it also won a special award at the "Generative AI Grand Prize 2025."
Existing surveillance cameras can now perform [wrong-way detection] and [vehicle speed detection]!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アイタス・ジャパン has begun offering wrong-way and speed detection functions on its AI edge device "AI Bridge," which makes use of existing cameras. The new functions are drawing attention as a response to demand for traffic safety measures.
Facts
株式会社アイタス・ジャパン added wrong-way detection and speed detection functions to "AI Bridge," a video analysis AI solution that adds AI analysis capabilities to existing surveillance cameras, and has begun offering it.
According to materials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 297 wrong-way driving incidents occurred on expressways in 2025, the most since tallying began in 2011.
Under the revised Road Traffic Act enforcement order that took effect on Sept. 1, 2026, the legal speed limit for vehicles on ordinary roads (residential roads) with no center line or lane markings was lowered from 60 km/h to 30 km/h.
"AI Bridge" is an edge device that uses existing ONVIF-compatible IP cameras and analog cameras to achieve advanced AI-based video analysis.
Launching "SIPORY EVENT SUPPORT" for sake event organizers, which handles sales, attracting visitors and operations for 0 yen in initial costs and 10% of sales — opening up the mechanism behind "Choginjo-sai," which drew a total of 2,852 visitors over 2 days
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
合同会社Doosin has launched "SIPORY EVENT SUPPORT," which provides ticket sales, visitor attraction, admission and settlement all in one package for sake event organizers. The initial cost is 0 yen and the fee is 10% of ticket sales, and the mechanism used for "Choginjo-sai 2026" is being opened to other events as well.
Facts
0 yen initial cost
Only 10% of ticket sales (payment processing fees included)
There are about 900 from 2018 to 2026
SIPORY visited 141 breweries nationwide in 2026
72.3% of breweries cited exhibition costs
"Doesn't lead to sales" was 56.7%
Three forms: TIME, ONCE and SPELL
2,836 tickets sold
The sake festival "Choginjo-sai 2026," which drew a total of 2,852 visitors over 2 days
[Ingrid] CM featuring Shinji Ono begins airing on elevator signage "LiftSPOT" | No.1 online English coaching / selected for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reskilling program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Morrow World has begun airing a CM video for "Ingrid" featuring Shinji Ono on the elevator signage "LiftSPOT" in office buildings in Tokyo from Nov. 2, 2026 to Dec. 27. Ingrid has earned No.1 in 3 categories in the online English coaching industry and has also been selected for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's reskilling program.
Facts
株式会社Morrow World will air a CM video featuring Shinji Ono, a former professional soccer player and the official ambassador of the online English coaching service "Ingrid," on the elevator signage "LiftSPOT" in office buildings in Tokyo from Nov. 2, 2026 to Dec. 27.
Ingrid has earned No.1 in 3 categories in the online English coaching industry: "market share," "number of students" and "curriculum."
株式会社Morrow World has been selected as a subsidized business operator for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's reskilling program.
The elevator signage "LiftSPOT" is installed on 635 units in office buildings in Tokyo.
In the 2027 English Learning Support Campaign, the 55,000 yen (tax included) enrollment fee is waived.
Librus株式会社 publishes insight report "Benefits of Outsourcing SCS Evaluation System Compliance | How to Choose a Support Company"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Librus株式会社 has published a free insight report explaining the benefits of outsourcing SCS evaluation system compliance and how to choose a support company. The report covers SCS compliance processes that make use of outsourcing, including requirements organization, gap analysis, evidence preparation, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.
Facts
6 benefits of outsourcing SCS evaluation system compliance
How the approach to outsourcing changes between ★3 and ★4
Outdoor advertising company Hit completes acquisition of creative studio 株式会社ナディア and tech studio 株式会社xbs as subsidiaries
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ヒット acquired all shares of 株式会社ナディア and 株式会社xbs as of Oct. 30, 2026, making both wholly owned subsidiaries. By integrating expertise in outdoor advertising media, brand creative, and web and app development, it will expand cross-media services and advance joint proposals to advertisers.
Facts
Both companies became wholly owned subsidiaries as of Oct. 30, 2026
We currently own 153 faces across 69 owned media (as of the end of Sept. 2026)
With Nadia and xbs, which has advanced technical skills in web and app development, joining the group as 100% subsidiaries of Hit
8 functions including web, UI/UX, CI/BI/VI, live events, graphics, video and social media
AeyeScan selected No.1 in the vulnerability (security) assessment category of "BOXIL REVIEW AWARD Autumn 2026"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The cloud-based web application vulnerability assessment tool "AeyeScan" has been selected No.1 in the vulnerability (security) assessment category of "BOXIL REVIEW AWARD Autumn 2026," organized by スマートキャンプ株式会社.
Facts
Selected No.1 in the vulnerability (security) assessment category
As the service with the highest total score from user-submitted reviews between Apr. 1, 2026 and Sept. 30, 2026
"NEXT Growth Summit," a collaborative forum for people in charge of new businesses "after launch," set for Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Spready株式会社 will hold "NEXT Growth Summit," its first fully offline conference for people in charge of corporate new businesses "after launch," in Kyobashi, Tokyo on Jan. 28, 2027. Aimed at sharing practical knowledge on customer acquisition, PMF, and building sales and marketing structures, as well as networking, it is also seeking sponsor companies.
Facts
Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027, 13:00–19:45
Annual revenue of 10 billion to 100 billion yen
Unable to break through the wall of several hundred million yen in scale
Everyday receipts turn into money ♪ Joining the savings app "Reshichare"! ~ Post receipts and earn Kurashiru coins! ~
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アオキスーパー will join クラシル株式会社's savings app "Reshichare" starting Nov. 2, 2026. This will allow customers to earn coins by posting receipts and enjoy shopping at a better value.
Facts
"Reshichare" is a service where users can earn coins by posting receipts for purchases of eligible products.
Aoki Super supports both paper receipts and smart receipts (electronic receipts).
クラシル株式会社 is headquartered in Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, and develops and operates the recipe video platform "Kurashiru" and the savings app "Reshichare."
株式会社アオキスーパー is headquartered in Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and operates food supermarkets.
GBP株式会社 signs MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Gokin Solar社 on strategic partnership for expansion of BC solar panels into Asian markets including Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GBP株式会社 signed an MOU on Oct. 28, 2026 with Gokin Solar社 on a strategic partnership to expand BC solar panels in Asian markets including Japan. Combining Gokin Solar社's BC technology with GBP's sales and proposal activities, the companies will strengthen proposals for high-efficiency solar panels and respond to conditions for each project.
[11/1–11/11, 11 days only!] The Woof Woof Sale is on, offering cute assistance dog charity goods at affordable prices!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Japan Service Dogs Association, a social welfare corporation, announced that it will hold the "Woof Woof Sale," a charity goods sale to support service dogs, for 11 days only starting Nov. 1, 2026. T-shirts, pull-over hoodies and other items will be offered at discounted prices, and proceeds will go toward training service dogs.
紀ノ国屋 will begin accepting orders for its winter gifts for the year-end and New Year holidays on Nov. 6. With about 230 gourmet items on offer, it will offer members 2 times points and early-order discounts to meet gift demand.
Facts
Orders placed during November qualify for a 5% discount on eligible items.
At the official online store, the company covers shipping for orders of 10,000 yen or more including tax.
Tate-gata Juttsu! x Wantan Men, Mala Tang flavor and Wasabi Salt flavor, newly released
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Acecook is collaborating with 読売テレビ for the first time on a program, and will launch nationwide on Nov. 16, 2026 the instant ramen "Tate-gata Juttsu! x Wantan Men," themed on spiciness and stimulation to help wake people up in the morning.
Facts
エースコック株式会社 will newly release "Tate-gata Juttsu! x Wantan Men" on Nov. 16, 2026.
The suggested retail price of the new product is 255 yen (excluding tax).
The wasabi salt flavor features round-cut noodles, with a rehydration time of 3 minutes.
[Limited time] The 2nd installment of a luxurious parfait packed with autumn flavors! From TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO in Ebisu, the "La France Pear and Aged Beni Haruka Parfait" starts Wednesday, Nov. 4
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Ebisu bistro TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO will begin the 2nd limited-time parfait using autumn fruits, the "La France Pear and Aged Beni Haruka Parfait," on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The price is 2,200 yen (tax included).
From a mischievous, true-to-life side to ultra-cool masculinity, all condensed in one! A beautiful calendar that lets you experience a simulated "trip with Yuhi Iuchi," the next-breakout actor who will lead the next generation!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KADOKAWA will release a new calendar of actor Yuhi Iuchi on Feb. 10, 2027. It features all-new photos shot in Okinawa, and a release commemoration event is also planned.
Facts
株式会社KADOKAWA will release "Yuhi Iuchi Calendar 2027.04-2028.03" on Feb. 10, 2027.
The calendar is priced at 3,300 yen (including 10% tax).
The calendar consists entirely of new photos shot on the main island of Okinawa.
Yuhi Iuchi made his full-fledged acting debut in the Super Sentai series "Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger."
As release commemoration events, meet-and-handshake sessions will be held in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Nauto Japan合同会社 names Katsunori Mizogami as new Representative Executive Officer and President
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nauto Japan合同会社 announced that it appointed Katsunori Mizogami as its new Representative Executive Officer and President effective Nov. 1, 2026. The company is the Japan base of Empiric Earth, which was established through the merger of Nauto, Inc. and Nexar Inc. of the U.S.
Facts
Effective Nov. 1, 2026
Business integration in July 2026
In September of the same year, launched as the new company "Empiric Earth"
Led the Japan business for about 30 years
More than 50 countries worldwide
A driving dataset of more than 10 billion miles (16 billion km) cumulative
Open letter of questions submitted to the Mayor of 札幌市 — Why is the at-home work "50% rule" set at 50%?
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ジャパニケア札幌, operated by 合同会社JAPANICARE, submitted an open letter of questions to the Mayor of 札幌市 asking for the grounds behind the cap on days of at-home work support (the 50% rule) that 札幌市 introduced from Oct. 1, 2026, and also sent a written opinion to 厚生労働省.
Readable in 3 minutes! Is it in your simulation? Low-voltage storage batteries require safety management [3-part series, October 2026 independent survey of relevant ministries and agencies, Part 1]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Based on what it confirmed with relevant ministries and agencies in October 2026, REVIX JAPAN株式会社 explains the need for safety management at independent low-voltage grid-connected battery storage stations (under 50kW). Appointment of a chief electrical engineer, filing of safety regulations, and establishment of an inspection system are mandatory, and these costs must be included in installation plans and profit-and-loss calculations.
Facts
What was confirmed with relevant ministries and agencies in October 2026
Even for low-voltage, under 50kW
The conditions of "low-voltage" and "49.9kW"
Solar power of 10kW or more and under 50kW, which falls under small-scale business use
Unauthorized resale of services such as Netflix and Spotify saves about 1,350 yen a month but exposes users to financial and personal data risks
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
According to a Surfshark survey, unauthorized resale of services such as Netflix and Spotify can save about 1,350 yen a month compared with official plans, but carries high risks of account suspension and financial and personal data exposure.
Water vending machine that also dispenses carbonated water installed at the 利府町 town office in Miyagi Prefecture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ウォーターポイント株式会社 has installed a "water vending machine" with RO membrane purification, mineral addition and carbonation functions at the 利府町 town office in Miyagi Prefecture. Operation began on Oct. 7, 2026.
SDGsジャパン issues comment following Prime Minister Takaichi's policy speech: "Put the SDGs at the center of policy and budget"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般社団法人SDGs市民社会ネットワーク (SDGsジャパン) pointed out that the SDGs were not mentioned in Prime Minister Takaichi's policy speech and is calling for them to be placed at the center of policy and budget.
Coworking space "いいオフィス市ヶ谷 by I・SPACE" with all soundproof private rooms opens 1 minute on foot from Ichigaya Station
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いいオフィス and Booth Lab株式会社 have partnered to open "いいオフィス市ヶ谷 by I・SPACE," a coworking space with all soundproof private rooms, in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
Warning on Japanese companies' awareness of website maintenance: "We have no customer information, so we're fine" is not enough.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社AVII IMAGEWORKS has stressed the importance of website maintenance even for companies that do not handle customer information, and has developed and released a free "Site Security Diagnostic Tool" that can check PHP vulnerability countermeasures and more.
ヘンリー completes certification application for "Henry" on the first day of acceptance under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "certification system for electronic medical record standard specifications"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ヘンリー completed the certification application for its product "Henry" on Nov. 1, 2026, the first day of acceptance under the 厚生労働省 certification system for electronic medical record standard specifications.
Facts
Nov. 1, 2026
Actual uptime rate of 99.943%
Operating at more than 30 facilities
Review is conducted within 90 days of application
Raising the adoption rate of electronic medical records to about 100% by the end of 2030
19 years of gritty cold-call sales in the age of AI! Director Hideo Kawabata of the film "Hana no Santa" goes on a grand adventure through Yokohama shopping streets. On Nov. 12, legend "Peter Aerts" makes a surprise visit dressed as Santa! Announcement of a super-sized Christmas surprise of tears and smiles
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
感謝株式会社 will carry out promotional activities for the film "Hana no Santa: A Miracle Gift," which opens on Nov. 13, 2026: cold-call sales visits to Yokohama shopping streets by Director Hideo Kawabata, and a surprise visit dressed as Santa by fighter Peter Aerts.
New content "Infection Prevention (New Edition)" on the e-learning platform "Sapokare" for staff at facilities supporting people with disabilities
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NPO人材開発機構 will deliver the new content "Infection Prevention (New Edition)" on its e-learning platform "Sapokare" for staff at facilities supporting people with disabilities in November and December. The series of 6 sessions explains standard precautions and responses to norovirus, among other topics.
Robot combat sports company REK enters Japan. To open Asia's first permanent robot combat arena in Tokyo
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
U.S. robot combat sports company REK Inc. announced that it will enter Japan by opening Asia's first permanent arena in Tokyo in Q1 2027. Following achievements such as a sold-out event in Akihabara and more than 1 billion social media views, it aims to train pilots and expand international tournaments.
Facts
Aiming to open in Q1 2027
Total social media views of REK-related content exceed 1 billion
アンドドット株式会社 developed and released the disaster prevention battle app "Mamoruka" jointly with the 日本青年会議所 Kinki Regional Council, with a sales representative using the company's AI harness.
"NewsPicks Presents BLACK or WHITE Great Conquest Festival 2"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
"NewsPicks Presents BLACK or WHITE Great Conquest Festival 2" will be held at Pia Arena MM on Dec. 5, 2026, and performers including Yusuke Narita have been announced.
QPS Institute's small SAR satellite QPS-SAR No. 20 "Wadatsumi-II" scheduled to launch on Rocket Lab社's Electron rocket after 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社QPS研究所 announced that the launch of its small SAR satellite "Wadatsumi-II" is scheduled for after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, 2026, on Rocket Lab社's Electron rocket.
Mizuki Ono wins the 17th Orléans International Piano Competition
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Composer and pianist Mizuki Ono won the final of the 17th Orléans International Piano Competition, held in France on Oct. 31, 2026, and received 3 special prizes, including the "Blanche Selva" prize provided by the ORCOM財団.
Protect your important devices from abnormal heat and short circuits! HIDISC launches 4 new safety-focused USB cables with built-in breakers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社磁気研究所 has begun selling 4 new models of USB cables with built-in breakers (Type-A to Type-C and Type-C to Type-C) under its brand "HIDISC", which automatically cut off current in the event of abnormal heat or a short circuit.
Includes 2026 exam questions! Grasp the key points and aim to pass reliably and easily! "1st-Class Architectural Construction Management Engineer First-Stage Examination Selection Prep & Past Questions 2027 Edition" to be published on Nov. 17, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社秀和システム新社 will publish "1st-Class Architectural Construction Management Engineer First-Stage Examination Selection Prep & Past Questions 2027 Edition" on Nov. 17, 2026.
Strengthening on-site purchase service for large TV stands in Chiba Prefecture | 買取マクサス市川本八幡店 begins pre-checking support for removal routes
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
買取マクサス市川本八幡店, operated by 株式会社わたるコーポレーション, will strengthen its on-site purchase service for large TV stands and begin pre-checking support for removal routes starting Nov. 1, 2026.
Infographic: Don't rush to pay when a relative dies! Under the new 2026 funeral rules, these 2 fees may be waived entirely
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The new rules under the Mortuary Service Management Act took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, expanding eligibility for free use of public crematoriums and ash storage facilities to low-income and lower-middle-income households. Localities have different limits on the price and selection of free niches, and private funeral costs must still be borne by families.
Facts
Article 21-1 of the Mortuary Service Management Act was amended and promulgated on May 28, 2025, and formally took effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
The 2026 new rules expand eligibility for free use of public crematoriums and ash (remains) storage facilities from low-income households to lower-middle-income households.
New Taipei City stipulates that free ash niches are limited to individual ash niches with a usage fee of up to NT$40,000 and individual bone niches priced up to NT$60,000.
Taichung City stipulates that when eligible persons use public columbariums and ossuary towers for free, in principle they are limited to the lowest-priced single-urn niche among the currently vacant niches.
Kaohsiung City stipulates that when low-income and lower-middle-income households use public ash (remains) storage facilities, in principle they are limited to basement-level niches.
Costs such as coffins, body transport, funeral services, memorial service decorations and private columbariums are not covered by the free scope set by the central government.
Hua Chun-hsiung's view: China and Japan clash fiercely at the UN in New York over the "enemy state clauses" of the UN Charter
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed at the UN General Assembly deleting the "enemy state clauses" of the UN Charter, drawing strong opposition from China's Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei. China said the clauses are a cornerstone of the postwar order, and cited Japan's huge military spending and weapons deployments as facts to question its intent to expand militarily.
Facts
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi again raised deleting the "enemy state clauses" of the UN Charter during the UN General Assembly general debate on Sept. 22.
The "enemy state clauses" refer to Articles 53, 77 and 107 of the UN Charter, which permit permanent members of the Security Council to take direct military action against former Axis states.
China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, exercised the right of reply on Sept. 28, firmly opposing Japan's deletion of the "enemy state clauses".
Original日本2026財年防衛預算高達9.04萬億日元，連續14年增長。
Japan has deployed several types of long-range missiles in Kumamoto and Shizuoka prefectures, and has reorganized the Air Self-Defense Force into the "Air and Space Self-Defense Force".
Amending the UN Charter requires a vote of two-thirds of UN member states and the unanimous agreement of all permanent members of the Security Council.
Ambassador Sun Lei cited Japan's formal deployment in March of two long-range weapons in Kumamoto and Shizuoka, whose range can cover neighboring countries' coastlines.
Jing Yuanzhou's view: Zhang Shengmin joins the Politburo, so why does the Central Military Commission still have only two members?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party added Zhang Shengmin as a Politburo member, but did not fill vacancies on the Central Military Commission. The commission now has only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, with serious vacancies caused by the downfall of multiple generals, reflecting Beijing's extreme caution over military personnel arrangements and a possible delay in filling posts until the 21st Party Congress leadership change.
Facts
After the close of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin was added as a Politburo member.
The Central Military Commission is currently left with only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, a record low for vacancies since the reform and opening-up.
Li Shangfu, Miao Hua, He Weidong, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, five people in all, fell one after another, leaving multiple seats on the Central Military Commission vacant.
The Fifth Plenary Session endorsed the Party discipline punishments of sixteen military personnel, including Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli.
None of the ten Central Committee members who were promoted to fill vacancies are military personnel, and military alternates who had originally ranked higher in line were skipped.
Li Chi-tse's view: The stability dilemma after the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party was held in Beijing, adopting a decision on comprehensively and strictly governing the Party and announcing the timing of the 21st Party Congress. Multiple senior personnel punishments and appointments were made during the session, but no clear succession arrangement emerged.
Facts
The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party was held in Beijing from Oct. 26 to 29.
Original全會確定二十一大於二〇二七年下半年召開。
The plenary session confirmed the earlier punishment of expelling thirty-three people from the Party.
The plenary session was attended by 162 Central Committee members and 117 alternate Central Committee members, 279 in total.
Those expelled include former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and former Politburo member Ma Xingrui.
Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin was added as a member of the Politburo.
Chen Kuo-hsiang's view: Chiang Wan-an's excellent debate performance effectively curbs the power of the "ocean current"!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran media figure Chen Kuo-hsiang comments on the first debate in the Taipei mayoral election, asserting that Chiang Wan-an, with his excellent municipal-affairs expertise, effectively curbed the political momentum of candidate Puma Shen. The article stresses that Shen was underprepared on specific policy details and failed to show sufficient governing ability, while Chiang successfully brought the focus back to testing actual governing experience.
Facts
The author, Chen Kuo-hsiang, is a veteran media figure and former chairman of 中央社.
Puma Shen's old-building safety policy proposals in the debate include a three-stage mechanism of seismic preliminary screening, an old-house service team and information disclosure.
The governing achievements listed by Chiang Wan-an include the completion and opening of the Taipei Dome, Nvidia's overseas headquarters settling in Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, a smoke-free city, the first thirty minutes free on YouBike, and progress on the eastern section of the MRT.
Before the election, the Democratic Progressive Party hoped to shape Puma Shen into a gentle, rational, approachable "warm guy" image.
Puma Shen's policy ideas include planting trees in one hundred days, nutritious school lunches, and establishing a Taipei Research Institute.
The article points out that politicians can shape their image through media manipulation, but cannot obtain the professional ability needed to govern a city through packaging alone.
Infographic: Taiwan clearly has 160,000 hospital beds, so why are emergency rooms still jammed? The problem is not just too many patients
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes emergency room overcrowding in Taiwan, noting that although total emergency visits fell in 2024, boarding cases increased and delays in transferring patients from medical center emergency rooms to inpatient wards were severe. Despite adequate beds and nursing staff, concentrated critical cases, imbalanced bed allocation and nurse-to-patient ratio regulations make admissions difficult, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare is pushing for legal amendments to improve the situation.
Facts
In 2024, total emergency visits at hospitals nationwide fell by about 195,000 compared with the previous year.
Among 2024 emergency cases transferred to inpatient admission, 69,098 stayed in the emergency room for more than 48 hours.
As of September 2026, the number of practicing nurses nationwide has reached 200,037.
Among 2024 medical center emergency cases transferred to inpatient admission, the proportion that stayed in the emergency room for more than 48 hours reached 9.32%.
As of June 2025, the officially announced total number of beds nationwide was 168,081.
Original2026年春節期間基層診所門診量較2025年同期增加近3成。
Medical centers that violate the three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio standard can be fined between NT$1 million and NT$2 million.
Hsu Mien-sheng's view: What do we see in the Hsu Chia-ching incident?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Retired ambassador Hsu Mien-sheng criticizes former Overseas Community Affairs Council minister Hsu Chia-ching for attending a banquet in high profile after resigning, displaying arrogance and badly damaging the DPP's image. The article argues that political appointees' lack of ethics training and social indulgence have led to moral decay, and cites remarks by Terry Gou implying that the government's upper ranks are full of mediocrities.
Facts
Hsu Chia-ching resigned on Oct. 7 over allegations of using public resources for private purposes and misusing public funds.
Hsu Chia-ching attended a farewell banquet held by the Overseas Community Affairs Council on Oct. 22, where she accepted flowers and sang loudly.
Hsu Chia-ching was once accused by a legislator of conducting sightseeing disguised as inspection tours.
Politically appointed officials did not receive pre-service training in public service ethics.
Terry Gou posted remarks on Facebook in December 2022 criticizing the government's top officials.
Chen Shih-chang's view: The overseas Chinese community should not become a microcosm of Taiwan's society
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran media figure Chen Shih-chang analyzes that overseas Chinese communities are becoming a microcosm of Taiwan's society, with crises caused by politicization and division. Compared with mainland Chinese expatriates who receive substantive backing, Taiwanese expatriates and businesspeople face marginalization and declining competitiveness because the Taiwan authorities lack substantive support and they are torn apart by political directives.
Facts
Because of changes during ten years of DPP governance, overseas Chinese communities show a highly divided trend and are becoming politicized.
The mainland provides end-to-end support for overseas industries, including the political resources of embassies and the industrial backing of Chinese General Chambers of Commerce.
The Taiwan authorities give overseas Chinese communities only politics and no substantive resources.
In Thailand, the tilt of Taiwan's official resources has led to the marginalization of the Chinese Association.
The central directive from Taipei is the greatest pressure tearing apart overseas Chinese communities.
The farewell party held by the Overseas Community Affairs Council after Hsu Chia-ching stepped down has sparked controversy over abuse of power and over the anti-China card.
Chinese companies have quickly seized beachheads, even forcing Japanese firms out of the market.
A 23-year-old woman with a protruding belly turns out to have moderate fatty liver! Doctor reveals "3 bad habits" as the culprit: don't assume you're safe because you're young
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A 23-year-old woman was diagnosed with moderate fatty liver due to abdominal obesity. Dr. Chien Cheng-hung warned that fatty liver is affecting younger and younger people, with prolonged sitting, staying up late and improper diet all to blame, and reminded the public to watch out for the risk of visceral fat buildup.
Facts
A 23-year-old female netizen sought medical care because her belly seemed especially large. An abdominal ultrasound confirmed moderate fatty liver, along with excessively high cholesterol levels.
Chien Cheng-hung, a hepatology and gastroenterology physician at 基隆長庚醫院, said fatty liver can occur in any age group, and clinically there are even confirmed cases among junior high and high school students.
Prolonged sitting leads to long periods of inactivity and muscle loss, which in turn lowers fat metabolism capacity and makes it easier for fat to accumulate in the liver.
Staying up late over the long term and insufficient sleep disrupt the body clock and affect hormone regulation, and may foster a late-night snacking habit, further raising the risk of obesity combined with fatty liver.
Chang Chun-kai column: Has an anti-American poet become a symbol of Taiwan independence? Taiwan, living in political lies
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran media figure Chang Chun-kai criticizes Taiwanese society's misreading of Neruda and Che Guevara, noting that pro-independence forces appropriate leftist symbols while being pro-American and subservient, revealing the absurdity of political ideology.
Facts
"My Small, Mountainous Country" has been mistakenly attributed to Neruda, but it is actually an adaptation of his original poem by the documentary team of Nylon Cheng.
In 1951, Neruda personally wrote an inscription praising Mao Zedong for a collection of poems and prose published by the People's Literature Publishing House in Beijing.
Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chiun once said that the book that influenced her most deeply was The Communist Manifesto, co-written by Marx and Engels.
人間出版社 published Che Guevara's Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War: The Expedition of the Granma in June this year.
Infographic: 2 more Taiwanese banks will disappear! Kingtown and Shin Kong to go into history next year; 20 years of bank mergers at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article traces nearly 20 years of bank mergers in Taiwan, noting that 京城銀行 and 新光銀行 will disappear on Jan. 1, 2027, merging into 永豐銀行 and Taishin Bank respectively. The article also reviews the merger history of banks such as Mega, SinoPac and Standard Chartered, and explains that DBS took over Citi's consumer finance business, as well as the impact of mergers on depositors' rights and deposit insurance.
Facts
京城銀行 became a subsidiary of 永豐金控 on Oct. 1, 2025, and will be merged into 永豐銀行 as the surviving entity on Jan. 1, 2027.
台新金控 and 新光金控 completed their financial holding company-level merger on July 24, 2025, and 新光銀行 under it will be merged into Taishin Bank on Jan. 1, 2027.
Citigroup completed the sale of its Taiwan consumer finance business to 星展銀行 in August 2023.
For each depositor at the same insured financial institution in Taiwan, deposits in New Taiwan dollars and foreign currencies are protected up to a combined maximum of NT$3 million in principal and interest.
On Aug. 21, 2006, 中國國際商業銀行 and 交通銀行 merged into Mega International Commercial Bank.
On Jan. 1, 2018, 元大銀行 and 大眾銀行 were formally merged, with 元大銀行 as the surviving entity.
On April 1, 2023, 台北富邦銀行 and 日盛銀行 were formally merged, with 台北富邦銀行 as the surviving entity.
After 星展銀行 acquired Citi Taiwan's consumer finance business, its retail banking customer base grew to more than 1.1 million.
Op-ed: Hold the north, advance in the south: New Taipei is defensible, Kaohsiung is within reach, and the KMT's 2026 two-city structural advantage emerges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In the 2026 nine-in-one elections, the KMT holds a firm lead in New Taipei City thanks to Hou Yu-ih's governing approval ratings and KMT-TPP cooperation, while the race in Kaohsiung is tight because of weak Green camp candidates and the combined KMT-TPP effort; the KMT may break through the Green camp's iron-vote stronghold in southern Taiwan.
Facts
Li Szu-chuan consistently leads Su Chiao-hui in New Taipei City polls by about 6.7 to 6.9 percentage points.
Hou Yu-ih's approval rating for his administration has long stayed in the range of 67% to 72%.
In Kaohsiung City, the poll gap between Lai Jui-lung and Ko Chih-en is less than 0.1 percentage points, and the race is tight.
Kaohsiung voters care most about livelihood issues such as air pollution and industrial pollution, which has become the focus of the Blue camp's attacks on the Green camp.
Education Pointer: The "Academia Historica" in a democratic era must not retrace the old path of the imperial era
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chen Tsui-lien, the new president of Academia Historica, took office on Sept. 14, 2026, and criticized the opposition parties' use of the term "Dangwai" as appropriating a democratic emblem, sparking controversy. The article questions whether Academia Historica has strayed from neutrality and argues it should return to its core role of archival preservation.
Facts
Chen Tsui-lien, the new president of Academia Historica, took office on Sept. 14, 2026.
Chen Tsui-lien criticized the opposition parties' proposal to form a "Dangwai Grand Alliance" as appropriating an emblem that belongs exclusively to the democracy movement.
Academia Historica is directly under the Office of the President and is the highest historiographical agency of the government of the Republic of China.
Academia Historica was reestablished in Xindian Township, Taipei County, in 1957.
The National Archives Administration was established in 2001 and was under the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission of the Executive Yuan.
After the DPP gained full control of government, most of the guests of honor at lectures and seminars held by Academia Historica share the DPP's political stance.
Legislators Tuan Yi-kang and Freddy Lim once proposed merging Academia Historica into the National Archives Administration.
Chi Ho-chun's view: The Yakira incident shows the early signs of the danger of democratic dictatorship
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Associate Professor Chi Ho-chun comments on the online bullying of Yakira, noting that online patrols launched by supporters of the ruling party threaten freedom of expression and could lead to democratic dictatorship.
Facts
The nine-in-one local elections will be held on Nov. 28 this year, and the main candidates in the Taipei mayoral race are Chiang Wan-an and Puma Shen.
Yakira, a supporter of Chiang Wan-an, was bullied online after saying in an interview that they planned to vote for Chiang Wan-an.
After the negative fallout from the incident grew, Puma Shen called on supporters to show restraint and not attack the person involved.
The author argues that if people are suppressed because their political expression differs from that of the ruling authorities, the democratic system will evolve toward dictatorship.
Wu Tung-hsiung's view: The mayoral race is over, but the race for newly elected councilors may not necessarily begin
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Columnist Wu Tung-hsiung analyzes electoral behavior, noting that the mayoral race is over while the councilor race is complicated by the influence of money politics and ideology. He suggests candidates should go beyond individual competition and build a rational legislative team, and draw on American soft money reform and European proportional representation to address funding and fairness issues.
Facts
Wu Tung-hsiung has 40 years of polling records and stresses that knowledge comes from verifiable experiments.
In Wu Tung-hsiung's 40 years of records, only the 2004 shocking 2-shot incident slightly changed voting intentions.
About 15% or more of voters begin choosing a councilor only after receiving their voting notice, or even only the day before voting.
The party voting theory (class ideology voting theory) has consistently influenced a 40% plurality of voters.
In 2002, two American senators worked together to pass the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act to reform soft money.
Wang Ke-lei's view: In the latest TVBS poll Chiang Wan-an leads Puma Shen, and this point is extremely important
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The latest TVBS poll shows Chiang Wan-an with 46% support, leading Puma Shen's 42%, narrowing the gap to 4%. The author's analysis notes that although Puma Shen received high marks for his debate performance, Chiang Wan-an has stopped the decline, and according to TVBS's historical polling data, leads within 10% have rarely been overturned, so this result signals that Chiang Wan-an is starting a counteroffensive.
Facts
A TVBS poll on Oct. 31 shows Chiang Wan-an with 46% support and Puma Shen with 42%, a 4% lead for Chiang Wan-an.
47% of city residents think Puma Shen performed better in the debate, while 40% think Chiang Wan-an did better.
In the TVBS poll before the debate, Shen led by 11%, but after the debate Shen led by only 7%, showing that Chiang performed above expectations.
Historically, the winning margin of TVBS final pre-election poll leaders has been within 10%, and the result has never been overturned.
In the past 20-plus years, TVBS polls have been overturned only twice, namely Huang Chun-ying's win over Chen Chu in 2006 and Wu Chih-yang's win over Cheng Wen-tsan in 2014.
Op-ed: The city on the hill, while tenants are still counting costs at the foot of the mountain
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article questions the economic achievements cited in President Lai Ching-te's National Day speech, citing the gap between median and average wages, inflation data and high housing price indicators, and noting that the housing pressure on ordinary workers has not eased. It calls on the government to specifically review the effectiveness of affordable housing supply and housing cost reduction.
Facts
In August, the average regular salary of full-time employees was NT$52,523, and the median was NT$41,353.
In the first half of 2026, the proportion of employees with wages below the average monthly salary was 70.03%.
The September consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.73% year on year.
In the first quarter of this year, the Ministry of the Interior reported a nationwide house price-to-income ratio of 9.47 times and a mortgage burden ratio of 41.46%.
Lai Ching-te proposed that by 2032, the government directly build 250,000 social housing units, with 250,000 units under master-lease management and rent subsidies for 500,000 households.
Opinion: Lai Jui-lung's script was thorough, but his answers were incomplete — did he turn the debate into a policy briefing?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After the Kaohsiung mayoral television debate, commentary noted that Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Jui-lung, though detailed in his script, lacked confidence on the spot, frequently looked at his notes and gave empty responses to sensitive questions, while Kuomintang candidate Ko Chih-en appeared confident and willing to attack and defend. The debate highlighted the difference in their styles: Lai needs to prove his ability to adapt, and Ko needs to prove her governing capability.
Facts
In the Kaohsiung mayoral television debate, Lai Jui-lung was criticized for lacking confidence on the spot because he frequently looked down to check his script.
When questioned about political donations and factional ties, Lai Jui-lung responded only with "fabricated smears" and "handling it in accordance with the law."
Ko Chih-en showed a stronger stage presence in the debate, willing to leave her script and look her opponent in the eye.
Lai Jui-lung is familiar with municipal construction and was able to explain industrial, transportation and fiscal issues, successfully holding on to the DPP's base.
Citizens want candidates to disclose the relationships between donors and businesses, rather than merely proving that filings were formally completed.
Opinion: Do votes come from riding the wave? Grassroots Green camp candidates don't need to be fence-sitters with distorted values
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This opinion piece criticizes the DPP for nominating candidates with prestigious overseas university backgrounds in Changhua township and city mayoral races, saying their values are distorted, they defend Israel and lack grassroots empathy, and that they deliberately attach themselves to the Puma Shen current in order to get elected.
Facts
The DPP claims to be a Green camp, native progressive party that grew out of the Tangwai movement, whose core strength lies in standing with the grassroots, caring for the disadvantaged and pursuing democratic self-determination.
In local election nominations, the DPP places excessive faith in high academic credentials and the aura of overseas elites, overlooking whether candidates' thinking runs counter to the party platform.
In the past, the candidate kept criticizing, denigrating and slandering the left on social media platforms, yet joined the left-leaning DPP.
In remarks on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the candidate ignored the humanitarian catastrophe facing civilians in the Gaza Strip and claimed that Israel's granting of citizenship to Palestinians was a supreme gift.
Opinion: The DPP's degeneration and double standards
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article criticizes serious moral double standards and privileges that have emerged since the DPP took power, citing Hsu Chia-ching, who still received courteous treatment after stepping down over the misuse of public resources, and the Su Tseng-chang family, which obtained improper benefits through the Kuangshi Intelligence scandal, and accusing the party of having become an organized crime syndicate.
Facts
After stepping down over allegations of misusing public resources, former Overseas Community Affairs Council minister Hsu Chia-ching attended a banquet of the 僑委會 and sang on stage.
Hsu Chia-ching is accused of arranging for her son to pose as a photographer accompanying overseas trips, and her husband is suspected of misusing an official vehicle to tour Washington.
Kuangshi Intelligence did not disclose related-party identities as required by law, yet obtained investment from the 國發基金 and 台企銀 as well as subsidies from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Su Tseng-chang's daughter Su Chiao-chun acquired a 27.73% stake in Kuangshi Intelligence at NT$0.5 per share, far below the price at which the 國發基金 bought in.
In the 53 years since the 國發基金 was established, among 26 premiers from Chiang Ching-kuo to Frank Hsieh, not a single premier's child has ever become an investee.
Opinion: Why can a city have a ceasefire while a war cannot stop?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes the local ceasefire in Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, in the Russia-Ukraine war, noting that despite humanitarian coordination results, the war as a whole is still hard to end because of four layers of deadlock: territorial sovereignty, domestic politics, security guarantees and institutional implementation.
Facts
In 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution reaffirming Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and demanding that Russia withdraw its troops.
On Oct. 23, Zelensky proposed that a future agreement should include strong security guarantees and a funding arrangement to support Ukraine's military for ten years.
On Oct. 26, the Council of the EU adopted a European Peace Facility decision worth about 4.9 billion euros, mainly to reimburse member states for earlier military aid.
The UN human rights monitoring mission said that in September 2026, at least 328 civilians were killed and 2,105 were injured in Ukraine, and the combined casualty count rose 85% from the same month a year earlier.
Opinion: Does the Blue camp's spiral of silence reflect political fear?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The article analyzes the low rate at which Blue camp supporters express their views in polls, noting a "political fear" rooted in fear of being isolated or punished, which has produced a "spiral of silence" effect; the author calls this a sorrow for Taiwan's democracy.
Facts
The spiral of silence theory was proposed in 1974 by German political scientist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann.
Several recent polls show a low rate of expressed views among Blue camp supporters.
Political fear is mainly manifested as fear of isolation and social punishment.
Political fear also includes fear of state power and authoritarian oppression.
The chilling effect created by political fear is an amplifier of the spiral of silence.
In the modern social media environment, political fear has shifted from physical society to digital space.
Although the spiral of silence reflects how political fear suppresses speech, it does not mean dissent has disappeared entirely.
Egypt and Greece negotiate; a breakthrough emerges in the ownership dispute over the World Heritage site Saint Catherine's Monastery
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Egypt and Greece have reached an agreement on the ownership dispute over Saint Catherine's Monastery in the Sinai Peninsula. Abbot Symeon agreed to sign a document confirming Egypt's ownership of the land, with the monastery retaining religious use rights, but internal opposition and the postponement of court proceedings show the dispute is not yet fully over.
Facts
Completed between roughly 548 and 565 CE
In 2002, 聯合國教科文組織（UNESCO） inscribed the "Saint Catherine Area" on the World Heritage List
Has had differences of opinion with the Egyptian government for nearly 10 years
In 2025, the Greek and Egyptian governments began diplomatic contacts to seek a compromise
Abbot and Archbishop Symeon of Saint Catherine's Monastery finally issued a statement on Oct. 24
The monastery has existed in Egypt for more than 1600 years
The legal dispute between the two sides began in 2015
The monastery has had more than 1500 years of independent operation
A Greek government spokesperson responded on Oct. 31
On Oct. 26, 伊斯梅利亞上訴法院 postponed the lawsuit over the monastery's land
Postponed to Dec. 27
Companies mentioned：中央社、聯合國教科文組織、UNESCO、希臘報導者、Greece Reporter、金字塔報、Al Ahram、伊斯梅利亞上訴法院、Ismailia Court of Appeal、東正教時報、Orthodox Times
Good Morning World: Financial sectors' profits in the first 3 quarters top 1.27 trillion, setting a new record and continuing to push up the full-year record
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The three financial sectors' profits for the first 3 quarters hit a record high; Taiwan stocks corrected amid concerns over AI investment; publicly funded vaccines opened for shots; 台鐵 APP ticket-booking restrictions eased; Taipei mayoral candidates put forward labor platforms; China Coast Guard activity around Taiwan drew attention; the US midterm elections got under way; protests broke out in multiple places across Europe, the US and India; 幣安 resumed withdrawal services; digital restoration of old Taiwanese films won international recognition.
Facts
NT$1,271.544 billion
Annual growth of 77.5%
Annual growth of nearly 21.9%
Up 18.4% year on year
Fell 2728.3 points
Held above 45000 points
Number of holders surpassed 1 million
Each added more than 1 million holders
Received 1350 health coins
Down 35.3%
Down 18.8%
From NT$60,000
Raised to NT$100,000
Tokens worth US$6.3 billion
Made up 95% of the US$6.3 billion in tokens stolen from the platform
Small plane crashes in Florida; all 9 aboard killed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Learjet 60 crashed in a residential area in southern Florida, killing all 9 people aboard. The aircraft took off from Austin, Texas, and was scheduled to fly to the Bahamas. Transportation Secretary Duffy called it a horrifying tragedy; video from the scene shows the plane diving and turning into a fireball, crashing beside a busy road and leaving a huge crater.