Japan 結果共342筆

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.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

Taiwanese supermodel and actress Lin Chi-ling shares a stunning photo of herself dressed in all black with striking red lipstick on social media. The photo was taken during an interview with ＂Tatler＂ magazine. In the article, Lin discusses her commitment to philanthropy, particularly her desire to help children and families in need. She aspires to be a guardian of children’s mental health, a cause close to her heart. Lin’s popularity extends beyond Taiwan, as she is beloved in Japan as well. Her attendance at the 60th Golden Horse Awards recently went viral in Japan, solidifying her influential status in the entertainment industry.

A multicultural festival celebrating ＂Migrants Day＂ will take place at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung City on December 10. The festival will feature performances, cultural experiences, and a prize drawing event. In an effort to educate immigrants about marriage management, rights in Taiwan, and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the National Immigration Agency’s Central Administration Corps organized a family education and legal advocacy event in Taichung on December 6. The event used creative presentations to help diverse couples recognize signs of physical and psychological abuse, stalking, and harassment. Hsieh Liang, chair of the Union of New Immigrants of Taichung City, served as a marriage educator, teaching communication skills and advising against tolerance for violence. Sung Hsin-hui, a violence prevention planner from the Taichung City Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center, introduced the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, as well as reporting procedures and shared case studies. The event provided valuable insights for A Chun, an immigrant from Japan, who gained a correct understanding of family violence and expressed relief that Taiwan’s legal system offers protection to victims. With Taiwan’s immigrant population growing, the NIA aims to foster unity among all ethnic groups and create a welcoming environment for new residents, promoting cultural integration.

Taiwan’s badminton ＂golden duo,＂ Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin, will not compete in the season-ending finale, despite their successful season which included a championship win at the Super 750 Japan Open. They also finished as runners-up in the Hylo Open and the 2023 Korea Masters. In addition, they won a bronze medal at the Asian Games, the only medal for Taiwan’s badminton team. Lee and Wang are now focused on a comeback in January 2023, aiming to defend their Olympic title at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Kansai International Airport in Japan has recently undergone renovations to improve the departure process and accommodate a surge in international passenger traffic. With added verification measures in place, some travelers have reported going through exit immigration and security checks in as little as 30 minutes. The airport’s first terminal is being extensively renovated to meet future demands, with upgrades to domestic facilities and a newly opened central zone for international departures. As part of the expansion, 20 to 30 new duty-free shops and restaurants will be added. The aim of the renovations is to elevate efficiency and provide a more streamlined and pleasurable experience for passengers.

Priority tickets for the highly anticipated Chinese Taipei vs. Japan and Chinese Taipei vs. Philippines matches at the Asian Baseball Championship sold out within a minute of going on sale. CTBC Bank cardholders enjoyed an exclusive priority purchasing period, limited to 3,000 tickets per match. The rapid sellout, known as a ＂flash sale,＂ sets the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at Taipei Dome. Ticket prices were raised for games featuring the Chinese Taipei team, highlighting the fervor surrounding their participation. Additional tickets were released for Chinese Taipei’s quarterfinal matches, but fans continued to rush to secure their spot in the stadium. The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) disclosed ticket prices, with infield seats priced at NT$1,000 and outfield seats at NT$800 for Chinese Taipei’s games. For matches not involving the home team, only infield seats are offered at NT$600. The grand finale on Dec. 10 is expected to have an expanded crowd of 22,000 spectators at Farglory Dome Co., creating the ultimate showdown on the diamond.

身為美軍重要運補工具的魚鷹機（V-22 Osprey），不久前再次發生墜機死亡事故，一架隸屬駐日美軍（U.S. Forces Japan）的魚鷹機，11月29日在九州南部的屋久島（Yakushima）海域墜毀，目前已確認機上8名官兵全數罹難殉職。《英國廣播公司》（BBC）報導，美軍7日正式下令，海、空軍麾下所有魚鷹機機隊，即日起全面停飛進行調查，以此確保美軍官兵與盟國人員的安全。

The Group of Seven (G7) leaders convened via video conference to discuss the Taiwan Strait, affirming its importance for international security and prosperity. They reiterated their commitment to the One China policy and called for a peaceful resolution to cross-strait issues. The G7 also expressed readiness to establish a stable relationship with China and voiced opposition to China’s militarization activities in the South China Sea. Human rights concerns in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong were also discussed. The G7 condemned North Korea’s missile testing activities and addressed various other topics such as nuclear safety in Japan, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, and climate change. The discussions highlighted the G7’s attention to urgent global crises, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Gaza crisis.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has announced that Taiwan will closely monitor the development of new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors and fusion power, and remain open to their adoption. Premier Chen Chien-jen has highlighted that addressing the challenges surrounding nuclear waste from fusion technology could significantly increase societal support for the technology. This declaration comes as over 20 countries, including the United States and Japan, proposed at the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050. Additionally, nearly 120 countries committed to tripling renewable energy generation internationally within the next seven years. At COP28, 22 countries advocated for nuclear energy, focusing on small modular reactors and nuclear fusion technology, as well as securing international financial support for their development. These discussions at COP28 reflect a growing interest in diverse and innovative approaches to addressing climate change and powering the future.

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) to collaborate on semiconductors, net zero emissions, biotech and medicine, and startups. The aim is to leverage complementary strengths to achieve mutual benefits. ITRI President Edwin Liu highlighted the cultural and professional parallels between Taiwan and Japan, emphasizing the potential for a win-win situation. Tokyo Tech President Kazuya Masu expressed interest in biotech, medicine, and startups, and looked forward to further international cooperation. Both institutes shared their respective advances in clean energy and green transition. The partnership is strategic as Tokyo Tech prepares to merge with Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), offering opportunities for expansion into the biomedical field. The collaboration will be deepened through technical symposiums and sharing of research outcomes, setting a benchmark for international research partnerships.

駐日美軍（U.S. Forces Japan）的一架魚鷹機（V-22 Osprey）11月29日在九州南部的屋久島海域墜毀，當局已經展開殘骸回收，目前已知機上1人死亡、其餘7人失蹤不明。《共同社》報導，搜索團隊表示，已經發現疑似是魚鷹機機體的主要殘骸，且傳出在殘骸附近發現多個「人形物體」，有可能是其餘失聯的美軍，目前日本海上保安廳、自衛隊正在加速調查進度。

Sadaharu Oh, Taiwanese-Japanese baseball legend, expressed his wish for the Taiwan team to triumph over South Korea in the Asian Baseball Championship. He hopes that in three years, Japan and Taiwan will join forces in the World Baseball Classic finals. Oh praised the Taipei Dome’s facilities and believes that players competing in such an exceptional environment will feel more confident, enhancing their ability to bring glory to their country and Asia. Reflecting on his own experiences in the Tokyo Dome, Oh emphasized the importance of a great setting in nurturing heroes and predicted that the presence of the Taipei Dome will improve the future of Taiwanese baseball.

造型獨特卻命運多舛的魚鷹機（V-22 Osprey），不久前再次發生墜機死亡事故，一架隸屬駐日美軍（U.S. Forces Japan）的魚鷹機，11月29日在九州南部的屋久島（Yakushima）海域墜毀，目前已知機上一人死亡、其餘7人失蹤不明。《路透》報導，事發後第一時間，日本政府就向美軍提出全面停飛魚鷹機的要求，但這個基於安全的請求並沒有被採納，五角大廈（The Pentagon）30日向媒體表示，目前並無停飛魚鷹機的打算。

千賀健永這次從偶像的舒適圈走出，踏入潮流設計的世界，5月在東京舉辦的個展「FiNGAiSM」，12月起也將在台北華山文創園區展出。這次展覽得到許多同門師兄弟的支持，8月才剛來台的Travis Japan就有3名成員今（30）天就到場支持。不過為了台灣粉絲，千賀健永居然悍然拒絕大前輩櫻井翔的一項要求！

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) predicts a 13.1% surge in global semiconductor revenue for 2024, reaching US$588.364 billion. Memory products are expected to be the main driver, with a projected revenue jump of 44.8%. In contrast, current-year revenues are estimated to decline by 9.4% to approximately US$520.126 billion. WSTS has revised its current-year revenue predictions due to better-than-expected performances in certain end markets. Discrete semiconductors are projected to grow by 5.8% in 2023, while optoelectronic products, sensors, and integrated circuits are anticipated to experience declines of 3%, 10.9%, and 8.9% respectively. Europe is the only market expected to expand, with a growth rate of 5.9%, while the American market is predicted to decline by 6.1%, Japan by 2%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 14.4%. In 2024, growth is anticipated across all major markets and semiconductor product categories, including memory, discrete semiconductors, optoelectronics, and sensors. Europe is predicted to grow by 4.3%, Japan by 4.4%, the American market by 22.3%, and the Asia-Pacific region by 12%.

Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki made a low-profile visit to Taiwan from November 23 to 25, where he met with key figures including Su Jia-chyuan, the president of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (TJRA), and Paul Hsu, the Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China (ROCCOC). The focus of Tamaki’s trip was on meetings with economic and tourism-related groups from Okinawa, with no official engagements with Taiwanese government entities. During his visit, Tamaki expressed gratitude to Su for discussions aimed at fostering tourism and economic exchanges between Taiwan and Okinawa. The primary objective of Tamaki’s visit was to explore business cooperation, engaging with Japanese business representatives and Okinawan officials in discussions. Both parties anticipate swift progress toward further collaboration, and an invitation was extended for Tamaki to revisit Taiwan and for a Taiwanese group to enjoy Wagyu beef in Okinawa. The exchange concluded with the mutual presentation of local specialties as mementos of their meeting.

日本搖滾天團「X JAPAN」由五人組成，出道超過40年，至今在樂壇仍占有一席之地。怎料，貝斯手HEATH（本名森江博）近日傳出已於10/29因大腸癌病逝，享年55歲。他從6月健檢確診罹癌，到10月惡化、去世，僅短短4個月，事發突然使其他團員感到震驚。醫師提醒，大腸癌早期幾乎無症狀，一旦出現徵兆務必提高警覺，盡速就醫檢查，以免錯過治療黃金期。

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that two kilograms of green tea powder imported from Japan were destroyed at the border due to trace amounts of radioactive cesium-137. The batch’s cesium-137 levels were within the acceptable limit of 100 becquerels per kilogram, but the FDA emphasized the importance of ethical practices and urged businesses to adhere to them. The FDA tested the batch on October 31 and found 3 becquerels per kg of cesium-137 and 3 becquerels per kg of cesium-134 plus cesium-137. Since last year, food from five prefectures of Fukushima, Japan, has been imported to Taiwan, provided it meets radiation and origin inspection requirements. The FDA’s regulations for cesium-134 and cesium-137 levels in various food categories are based on the ＂Standards for the Tolerance of Atomic Dust and Radioactivity Contamination in Foods.＂ From 2011 to 2023, Taiwan has tested 224,970 batches of Japanese food, with 252 samples showing trace radioactivity that did not exceed national or Japanese standards.