JAPAN 結果共335筆

Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to open a factory in Japan’s Kumamoto precinct on Feb. 24, 2023, according to Japanese daily newspaper Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. Construction of the plant began in April 2022, with mass production expected by the end of 2024. The office building at the Kumamoto site has already started operations, and manufacturing equipment installation began in October 2021. TSMC has previously expressed Kumamoto as the preferred location for a second factory in Japan, likely adjacent to the original plant. The factory is expected to employ approximately 1,700 people, and staff recruitment efforts are progressing smoothly.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed concern over comments made by Ko Wen-je, Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate, stating that they could potentially harm Taiwan’s diplomatic relationships and lead to misunderstandings. MOFA spokesperson Liu Yung-chien emphasized that there is no conflict between solidifying relations with allied countries and developing substantial relationships with non-allied nations. The foreign ministry’s approach is to contribute to both areas simultaneously, without prioritizing based on alliance status. Liu highlighted the vital support received from allies over the years, which has helped Taiwan participate in international organizations and advance its causes. He expressed gratitude for the moral courage and vocal support shown by these allies, and stated that any possible misunderstanding sparked by Ko’s remarks is not something the people of Taiwan wish to see. In a podcast interview, Ko remarked that the number of diplomatic allies had been misperceived, suggesting that Taiwan would still fare well even if the number went down to zero. Ko emphasized the importance of substantial relationships, citing Taiwan’s positive relationships with Japan and the U.S., despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified two batches of Japanese strawberries as non-compliant due to pesticide residue issues. The strawberries, imported from Fukuoka and Tochigi, failed to pass border inspections and will now undergo 100 percent batch inspection. Out of the 1,084 batches of Japanese strawberries inspected this year, 19 were found to be non-compliant, accounting for a rate of 1.75 percent. The FDA will continue to conduct thorough inspections until April 30, 2024, to ensure compliance with pesticide residue regulations.

Taiwan has been identified as one of the key search terms by international travelers on Airbnb’s platform, according to the company’s 2024 tourism trends report. Taiwan’s search growth rate was second globally, just behind Japan. Airbnb expects 2024 to be the year when international travelers embark on world tours. From the first quarter to the third quarter of 2024, search volume on Airbnb increased significantly in 10 countries and regions, with Japan topping the list. Other than Taiwan and Japan, countries and regions such as Albania, Singapore, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Curaçao, Aruba, Thailand, and Guatemala also saw a rise in interest from Airbnb users.

Santa Claus flew over Taiwan’s skies on Christmas Eve, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This tradition, dating back to 1955, began when a local newspaper misprinted a Santa hotline number, leading to NORAD’s predecessor’s number being inundated with calls from curious children. Rather than disappoint, the command started reporting Santa’s location. This year, Santa departed from the North Pole in a sleigh with the call-sign ＂HOHOHO,＂ flying over Japan, Korea, China, and finally Taiwan. NORAD shares Santa’s flight trajectory, destinations, times, and the number of gifts distributed on their official website each Christmas Eve. They also rely on 1,100 to 1,200 volunteers to answer calls from children worldwide, receiving up to 260,000 calls in 2022. Platforms like Google and Flightradar24 also offer trackers to keep up with Santa’s movements.

2023可說是Mitsubishi新車頻發的一年，從迷你得利卡Delica Mini到越野皮卡Triton／L200以及全新跨界休旅XForce，都是鎖定市場熱門級距而來的全新世代車款，其中迷你得利卡堪稱是三菱新車中最叫好又叫座的新車了！不過相信最吸引台灣車迷眼球的三菱「新車」，可能不是上述的三輛市售車而是在Japan Mobility Show日本交通展上發表的D:X Concept概念車了；因為D:X Concept基本上就是代表了下一世代Delica得利卡的改款方向，而近期澳媒《Drive》在採訪澳洲三菱CEO－Shaun Westcott時，高層表示已將大改款Delica列為跟日本原廠爭取的「許願清單」中，是否意味著下一代得利卡也有機會進軍其餘海外市場、甚至是台灣的機會呢？

日本郵便公司（Japan Post）員工不滿上下班換穿制服的時間不算工作時間，也未獲加班費，日前提出損害賠償集體訴訟。神戶地方法院昨天判決日本郵便須賠償約320萬日圓。

廉價航空捷星日本航空（Jetstar Japan）工會，為了抗議公司未支付部分加班費，宣布自12月22日起至1月7日進行罷工。捷星日本航空表示，將會努力不讓航班受到影響。但日媒指出，若罷工規模持續擴大，恐會導致航班停飛，這段期間搭機的民眾，必須留意航班動態。

後疫情時代赴日本旅遊的外國遊客愈來愈多，過去必須手寫入境表格與申報單，日本政府推出「Visit Japan Web」網站，讓遊客出發前先在線上填好資料，入境時只需出示QR碼讓海關查驗即可。《NHK》22日報導，為了更簡化流程並加速入境程序，日本決定把入境檢查與海關申報合併，只需在同一台機器進行查驗，不需要再分別查驗浪費時間，藉此減緩當前等待時間過久的問題。東京羽田機場將是第一個測試地，將從2024年1月試用。

Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport has been ranked 73rd in the latest global airport rankings by air passenger rights organization AirHelp. The annual analysis evaluates over 4,000 airports worldwide based on on-time performance, customer service, dining, and shopping options. Oman’s Muscat International Airport claimed the title of the world’s best airport for 2023, with Brazil and Japan having the most representation in the top ten. Indonesia had three airports in the bottom ten, with Syamsudin Noor International Airport being ranked as the least favorable. These rankings reflect the ongoing efforts by global airports to meet and exceed passenger expectations.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu’s upcoming retirement in 2024 has led investment experts to suggest that the semiconductor giant should slow down the progress of its new manufacturing facility in the United States. Industry analyst Jonah Cheng believes that TSMC’s policy direction will remain unchanged under the leadership of chief executive C.C. Wei, who is expected to succeed Liu as chairman. Cheng also proposes maintaining a dual leadership structure to cultivate successors from various backgrounds. Speculation suggests that Liu’s retirement may be linked to potential investment challenges in the company’s U.S. expansion. In response to these challenges, Cheng recommends a deceleration in the construction of TSMC’s second U.S. plant. He also highlights the need to assess the current downturn in the car market and economic outlook before proceeding with the German plant focused on automotive applications. Cheng suggests that the Japanese facility could be an optimal choice due to labor and power shortages in Taiwan, as well as cultural similarities and strong government support from Japan. TSMC’s primary obstacle, according to Cheng, is maintaining its leadership position in the semiconductor industry, especially after surpassing Intel. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the industry and the potential opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose further challenges for the company.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been sporadically detected in Taiwan’s local cases. JN.1 is an offspring of the BA.2.86 variant and was first detected in Taiwan on Oct. 20 through a traveler from Japan. The local proportion of the JN.1 strain is below 5 percent, indicating that it has not become the dominant strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the continued use of the XBB.1.5 vaccine strain, which has been shown to be effective against JN.1 and other emerging variants.

Discover the mystery behind the surge in orders for steel bananas from Taiwan. Iron Factory Ikeda, a Japanese manufacturer known for unique metalworking, is puzzled about the usage of these peculiar items. Find out why these steel banana-shaped hammers have gone viral online and sparked feverish discussions in Taiwan. Learn about Iron Factory Ikeda’s lineup of steel cutlery, including designs like crabs, oysters, clams, and whelks, which have become a novel trend among Taiwanese consumers.

MLB球星大谷翔平以10年總價值7億美元（約新台幣220億）的天價合約加盟道奇隊，MLB也宣布，大谷翔平的17號道奇隊球衣開放預購後，銷量已經刷新紀錄，甚至超越足球巨星梅西和C羅。大谷帶來的經濟效益驚人，據《Forbes Japan》報導，道奇主場明年開幕戰的價格已經翻倍，最貴的座位門票甚至要9628美元（約新台幣30.1萬元），相當驚人。

The renowned Orange Devils, Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School’s marching band, have returned to Taiwan, performing at the National Concert Hall on Dec. 14. They also performed at Taipei First Girls High School and surprised guests with a flash performance at a hotel in Xizhi District, New Taipei City. The band previously entertained crowds in Kaohsiung. The visiting students and staff were impressed by the warmth and support they received from the local Taiwanese community and Japanese residents. Their presence highlights the cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan, celebrating shared passions and friendships across borders.

Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association visited the Kaohsiung City government to discuss enhancing industry, education, and tourism cooperation exchanges with Mayor Chen Chi-Mai. Ohashi emphasized the significance of Kaohsiung in Japan’s relations with Taiwan. Mayor Chen expressed enthusiasm for deeper interactions between Taiwan and Japan, highlighting the crucial role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in global supply chain security. He cited the collaboration between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in Kaohsiung and Kumamoto, Japan, as an example of potential economic cooperation. Chen described the Taiwan-Japan relationship as a deepening bond, referencing their long-standing friendship and mutual support during crises. Ohashi, who visited Kaohsiung 40 years ago and has maintained connections with past Mayor Chen Chu and Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Frank Hsieh, expressed admiration for Kaohsiung’s recent development. He believes that Japan-Kaohsiung cooperation should extend to the private enterprise level and is hopeful for the future of Japanese-Taiwanese relations. Ohashi frequently speaks at the annual National Day reception at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, advocating for promoting friendly Japan-Taiwan relations as an example for the international community.

Taipei’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Chen Junne-jih, announced the implementation of a specialized avian influenza prevention program in September, including increased testing frequency to monitor the disease. This comes in response to recent outbreaks in Japan and chicken farms in Yunlin County, raising concerns about egg price hikes and shortages. Chen warned that the situation may worsen with the expected drop in temperature next week. Taiwan has been conducting active and passive surveillance for avian influenza since September, focusing on high-risk areas near migratory bird paths and implementing biosecurity measures at poultry farms. Chen assured that the country’s egg production capability has recovered since the shortage earlier this year, with reserves of liquid eggs available for emergencies. Domestic egg reserves will be released first in the event of increased market demand, with the import of liquid eggs only considered if a severe outbreak leads to a supply shortage. Chen emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate stock levels through the imported egg project to ensure a stable egg supply despite the challenges posed by avian influenza.

The kanji of the year for 2023 in Japan is ＂稅＂ (tax), chosen by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation. This is the second time since 2014 that the character for tax has been selected. The choice symbolizes the Japanese people’s increased attention to tax issues, including tax increases and cuts. Over 147,000 individuals participated in the vote, with ＂稅＂ (tax) receiving the most votes. The second and third most voted characters were ＂暑＂ (heat) and ＂戰＂ (war), respectively. In Taiwan, the ＂2023 Character of the Year＂ results were announced, with ＂缺＂ (lack/shortage) taking the top spot, followed by ＂蛋＂ (egg) and ＂詐＂ (fraud) in second and third places, reflecting specific societal concerns in the region.

Bank of Japan (BOJ) officials expect Japan’s negative interest rate policy to continue due to insufficient wage growth, according to informed sources. BOJ will hold a monetary policy meeting in December 2024, with additional meetings planned for January, March, and April. After meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda expressed the challenges ahead, possibly signaling a revision to the massive monetary easing policy. This led to a surge in the yen’s exchange rate, reaching a high of 141.6 yen to the dollar.

Taipei 101 announces its New Year’s Eve fireworks show for 2024, featuring a 300-second spectacle with 16,000 fireworks. For the first time, the event will incorporate Japanese color fireworks, adding to the visual array. The theme for this year’s show is ＂Colorful World,＂ symbolizing Taiwan’s vibrant society and hopeful future. The iconic skyscraper will forgo its giant display screen and T-pad light net, as well as the 60-second countdown animation and lead-in video from the previous year. The collaboration with Japanese pyrotechnic manufacturers highlights the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, with Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan expecting tourist numbers to reach 6 million by mid-December. The international exposure from the fireworks is expected to significantly boost Taiwan’s visibility on the global travel map. Taipei 101’s Facebook page is also hosting a message-collection campaign, offering participants a chance to become part of the event’s narrative.

The renowned Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band, also known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ has returned to Taiwan in December after gaining a fervent fan base. Known for their vibrant and smile-filled performance style, the band made a memorable mark during last year’s National Day celebrations. The ’Orange Devils’ have planned flash mob events and are scheduled to hold their premiere concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The band expressed their happiness about visiting Taiwan and their anticipation of meeting with the Taiwanese audience again. The visit aims to fortify cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, as expressed by Huang Chun-chieh, the General Manager of a Taiwanese food brand. To enhance the band members’ experience in Taiwan, arrangements have been made for them to tour distinctive local scenic spots. Upon their arrival on the evening of December 9, the Kyoto Tachibana High School Band immediately showcased their signature enthusiasm and energy. The visit is expected to entertain their Taiwanese fans and continue strengthening the cultural bridges between the two nations.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has confirmed that discussions will soon take place with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) regarding the inauguration date for its Kumamoto fab. The progress of TSMC’s Kumamoto fab is said to be outpacing other global expansion efforts. Wang expressed gratitude for the support provided by Japan’s central and local government authorities in establishing the plant. Equipment installation is already underway at TSMC’s Kumamoto site, with trial production set to begin in April 2024. The opening ceremony may be scheduled as early as February 24. Wang emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain, and encouraged mutual investment to foster closer bilateral relations.

A 70-year-old man named Liu reported his backpack lost after a trip to Nantou, Taiwan. The backpack contained nearly NT$1 million in various currencies, as Liu was preparing for a business trip to Japan. Fortunately, a convenience store clerk found the backpack and, after no claimant came forward, discovered the significant amount of money inside, including Japanese Yen, U.S. dollars, and Chinese Yuan. The First Precinct Taichung City Police Department, who was already assisting Liu in locating his lost item, was alerted about the discovery. Deputy Head Hsiung Tien-hsin confirmed that the recovered property belonged to Liu and contained all the foreign currencies he needed for his upcoming business trip to Japan.

During the 2023 Asian Baseball Championship game between Japan and South Korea at the Taipei Dome, technical difficulties caused the main and side screens to go black. The Farglory Group attributed this outage to an unexpected system crash. The interruption, which occurred in the top of the seventh inning, lasted for approximately ten minutes before the manufacturer resolved the issue. Earlier in the game, Japanese player Ryosuke Aizawa collided with the home run wall while catching a deep fly ball in the fourth inning, resulting in leg injuries. Deputy general manager Jacky Yang of the Farglory Group clarified that the impact did not break the wall, but rather Aizawa’s spike shoes accidentally cut through the padding at the bottom. The Farglory Group assured that the stadium’s design complied with safety standards and that subsequent games would proceed unaffected.

The Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band, known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ arrived in Taiwan to a warm welcome at Taoyuan International Airport. Their visit is a testament to the strong ties between Taiwan and Japan, which were first sparked during their performance at the 2022 Taiwan National Day celebration. The band’s invitation this year, alongside Taipei First Girls High School, is an effort to further strengthen cultural bonds, as they are set to participate in the upcoming celebration of TGH’s 120th Anniversary. The visit has been made possible through corporate support, including an invitation from the Kaohsiung City Government for school exchanges and performances. Over the next five days, the Tachibana SHS band will showcase their talent at prestigious venues such as Kaohsiung’s Time Avenue, TAI Urban Resort, New Taipei’s Fuji Grand Hotel, Ximending, and the National Theater & Concert Hall.