Man busted trying to sell 5 lemurs at temple parking lot

2026-08-10

Five endangered ring-tailed lemurs have been seized in an illegal wildlife deal at a temple parking lot in New Taipei’s Zhonghe District. Animal protection officials intercepted the sale and seized the animals. The owner will be investigated by prosecutors under the Wildlife Conservation Act, and is facing a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to NT$1.5 million.

With their big eyes, and long fluffy tails, lemurs are one of the superstars of the animal world. They are native to Madagascar and are in high risk of extinction. Hunting and trading them is prohibited everywhere in the world. After a veterinary examination, the five primates were determined to be in good health, but further testing will be necessary to rule out amoebic infections and tuberculosis. For now they have been housed in a safe facility, and will be transferred to Taipei Zoo for care in the future.

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#lemur #busted #sale #endangered #nature #newtaipei #taiwan

新北動保處救出"5隻環尾狐猴" 飼主涉違法買賣保育類動物

2026-08-10

瀕臨絕種的環尾狐猴竟然有人在偷偷販賣！新北市動保防疫處發現，有人在中和一間宮廟停車場，正要交易5隻環尾狐猴，當場查扣，飼主已依野生動物保育法移送地檢署偵辦，最高可處5年以下有期徒刑，得併科新臺幣150萬元以下罰金。

環尾狐猴有著圓圓大大的雙眼，和毛茸茸的長尾巴，非常可愛，牠們的故鄉在馬達加斯加，正面臨高度絕滅風險，在全世界都禁止獵捕買賣。5隻環尾狐猴經獸醫師初步檢查，健康狀況均正常，目前已妥善安置照護，後續將進一步檢驗阿米巴原蟲、結核病等疾病，待確認健康狀況符合規定後，將後送台北市立動物園收容照養。

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TAITRA visits Yamaha for application of automation technology and cooperation

When it comes to Japanese motorcycle makers, Honda and Yamaha are household names. But did you know that Yamaha has also been involved in the industrial robot market for over 40 years, developing automated storage and retrieval systems, high-speed robotic arms, and apps that span logistics, electronics, food, and semiconductor industries? Facing the global challenges of declining birthrates and labor shortages, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, or TAITRA, visited a Japanese factory to understand automation technologies and explore new opportunities for Taiwan-Japan cooperation.

Chen Meng-hsuan
FTV reporter
We’re all familiar with Yamaha motorcycles, but you might not know that Yamaha has already ventured into the robotics market. Today, we’ll take you into Yamaha’s robot factory.

This robotic arm will follow your instructions and can quickly locate a package and proceed to pick it up and place it where you tell it to. In the face of labor shortages, this automated storage and retrieval system not only saves manpower but also improves overall operational efficiency.

Satoshi Nakamuro
Yamaha Robotics
As birth rates decline in today’s society, the demand for robots will be quite high, and I believe that the demand for robots will continue to rise in the future.

Yamaha’s initial foray into automation was actually to solve production problems in its own factories. As early as 1984, it developed industrial robots and gradually moved toward commercial use.

This 7-axis collaborative robot has torque sensors on each axis. It can smoothly navigate around obstacles and even work in narrow spaces. It has officially entered mass production this year, and all of its components are made in Japan. It can be adopted by industries ranging from traditional industries to electronics to the food industry.

Here, a robotic arm is moving back and forth at high speed, quickly grabbing small parts. Yamaha has partnered with Taiwan’s Toyo Automation to incorporate the equipment into automated production lines. It is mainly used for handling and assembling electronic parts and is currently Yamaha’s best-selling machine tool.

Satoshi Nakamuro
Yamaha Robotics
Currently, about 30% of Yamaha industrial robotics’ business comes from semiconductor-related applications. Looking ahead, we hope to continue investing in the semiconductor field, not just in Taiwan, and collaborate to further develop the semiconductor market.

James Huang
Chairman, TAITRA
I want to witness firsthand the strength of Japan’s technology, a major producer of high-end robots and automation equipment. What can we learn from them? What areas can our two countries further collaborate in?

Robots are being adopted across various industries as countries face the challenges of declining birth rates and labor shortages. This time, TAITRA led Taiwanese media on an overseas trip to production lines to better understand Japan’s strength in manufacturing automation equipment and to further explore opportunities for future Taiwan-Japan cooperation.

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#taitra #trade #robots #technology #tech #taiwan #japan

2026-08-10

Hualien souvenir shop offers free smoothies for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Walk into the souvenir shop and shout, "I love Indigenous peoples!" to receive a complimentary smoothie! To celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a souvenir shop on Zhongshan Road in Hualien is offering a special event for August: simply state the secret password "I love Indigenous peoples" upon entering the store to enjoy a Hualien-exclusive pomelo-series smoothie free of charge. Packed with real pomelo pulp, it’s a hit with everyone!

A plate loaded with fresh pomelo pulp is poured into juice, blended together, and transferred to a smoothie machine. Before long, it turns into a refreshing, sweet-and-sour smoothie.

Taking a big sip brings an instant chill right to the core. In the sweltering heat of summer, enjoying an ice-cold smoothie is definitely the best way to beat the heat. This month, a souvenir shop on Zhongshan Road in Hualien is hosting a special campaign—to try the shop’s smoothie for free, all you have to do is say this single phrase.

Simply say the secret password "I love Indigenous peoples" to get a Hualien-exclusive smoothie. Available in pomelo-lemon and pomelo-hibiscus flavors, both options come loaded with fresh pomelo pulp. Taking a photo and checking in online even earns you a free pomelo mochi! As Aug. 1 marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this generous promotion will run throughout the entire month of August.

Ma Shu-chen
Shop owner
For our campaign, there’s no requirement that you have to be Indigenous. People from other cities and counties are all welcome. As long as you come in and say the secret password,“I love Indigenous peoples,” we’ll give you a free smoothie.

There are no restrictions on eligibility or redemption frequency. Beyond the slogan campaign, some products in the store incorporate traditional Indigenous spices such as mountain pepper and prickly ash, allowing visitors to better appreciate local Indigenous culture. Through the campaign, the shop encourages people to support Indigenous culture together.

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#Hualien #Indigenous #smoothie #freefood #IndigenousPeoplesDay #pomelo

2026-08-10

Feline imposter infiltrates Shiba Inu gathering

Many dog owners like to take their pet out for walks and playdates with other dogs. At a recent Shiba Inu gathering in Japan, a dozen Shibas gathered in a circle on the grass. But one of them wasn’t like the others. You had to squint to see it, but one of them was actually a cat! The calico’s calm composure had commenters joking that he came as an ambassador representing feline-kind. Others said he blended in so seamlessly that they had to watch the video three times just to spot him!

A dog sprints across the grass. After getting tired, he trots over to sniff the other dogs. They don’t just come here to let off some steam. They’re also busy making friends.

Dog owner
Likes animals
Shibas have to get outdoors. He’s a bit curious, but also a little timid.

Owners in Japan also love taking their Shibas out for playdates. This clip was taken at a recent gathering of a dozen or so dogs, looking like they’re holding their annual board meeting.

Dog owner
Likes animals
It’s so typical. That’s exactly how Shiba Inus look whenever they meet up on the street.

But if you look closer, one of them is grooming himself a little strangely. Let’s zoom in and take another look.

- Is that an Akita? No?
- No.
- What kind of dog is it?

- What is it?

There were 14 pets at this gathering: two black Shibas, while the rest look to be a yellowish-tan. But over on the right, why does one look a little smaller? It also has black, orange, and white markings on its fur. It turns out that sitting amidst this gathering of Shibas all along was a calico cat!

Dog owner
Likes animals
Most Shibas only have two colors. But he has some black too. It’s a calico.

- Cats and dogs can get along after all.

Dog owner
Likes animals
Oh! I spotted it. This is a cat? Shibas seem clever and mischievous, but in reality, they can be scared of cats sometimes. As long as they keep a healthy distance, it’s fine.

This calico blended in seamlessly. Commenters online wondered how on earth he got there, and jokingly asked whether he was a delegate of feline-kind sent to exchange views with his canine counterparts. Shibas are independent by nature. As long as they grow up with cats, they can coexist in perfect harmony.

#viral #dogs #cats #pets #cuteanimals #dogmeetup #ShibaInu #calico #Japan

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2026-08-10

K-pop star G-Dragon likes 68-year-old’s viral dance to hit song

The allure of K-pop phenomenon G-Dragon knows no bounds! Chen Hua-hua, Kaohsiung’s 68-year-old “Popping Sis,” recently showed off her moves to a GD song on Woo Gua’s variety show. After the video went viral, it even caught the star’s attention, earning a “like” from him that thrilled fans.FTV caught up with this passionate dancer for an exclusive interview to hear about her dance journey.

A woman in white exudes confidence as she takes the stage, rocking a pair of shades. Completely fearless in facing a dance challenge, she even requested a hit song by the King of K-pop himself, G-Dragon. Hosts couldn’t contain their excitement!

She moves her entire body to the beat, her rhythm and timing perfectly spot-on. Sure of her steps, there’s plenty of room left to bring out the attitude! If you compare with the original, she does the same chest popping side to side, rapidly alternating her feet as her knees turn inward, demonstrating impeccable coordination.

Of course, this video was too good to stay only in Taiwan. Fans flooded the comments section tagging G-Dragon until the star himself gave it a “heart” on Instagram.

Chen Hua-hua
Popping Sis
I didn’t even know he liked it! I just love GD. His dancing is gorgeous. When he starts moving, it really captivates me. I don’t like any other K-pop stars, just him.

In an exclusive interview with FTV, this overnight star, 68-year-old “Popping Sis” Chen Hua-hua, revealed that she used to post dance clips online all the time, and even entered a dance competition.

Chen Hua-hua
Popping Sis
First and foremost, dancing brings happiness. The rhythm made me fall in love with it. I started learning popping at 65 years old.

Her self-confidence shining through, she danced her way into her idol’s feed. This popping grandma not only gained countless fans, but also proves that a passion for dance knows no age limit.

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#GDragon #GD #kpop #dancing #poppingsis #ChenHuahua #viral #WooGua

2026-08-10

Bali City Sand Sculpture Exhibition features popular Japanese characters

The Bali City Sand Sculpture Exhibition in New Taipei started this month. For the first time, the show is featuring popular Japanese characters like Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and Kogepan crafted in sand. Visitors can admire the sculptures by day, then enjoy a romantic sea of lights at night. Mayor Hou You-yi personally invited the public to experience the summer festival together.

Giant Rilakkuma and calming Sumikko Gurashi characters have all been transformed into detailed sand sculptures! Entering its ninth edition this year, the Bali City Sand Sculpture Exhibition has partnered for the first time with Japan’s San-X company to bring these favorite cartoons to Bali Left Bank in 16 lively sand sculptures.

Hou You-yi
New Taipei City Mayor
Since this year marked the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, it’s brought in a lot of sightseers. They’ll not only travel the route along the Tamsui Customs Wharf and Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Anchor riverfront, but can also explore the Bali Left Bank.

Families happily take photos on the beach, enjoying these impressive sculptures. This year, they were created as 3D sculptures to bring the characters to life, making it easy to capture great photos without any bad angles.

The city government for the first time also organized a sister festival. In Bali, visitors can view sand sculptures, while five giant inflatable Sumikko Gurashi figures are also displayed at Tamsui Golden Anchor, creating an interplay between the two riverbanks. Not only that, but visitors can enjoy sand sculptures by day and a romantic light display at night.

Hou You-yi
New Taipei City Mayor
The Bali Left Bank and Tamsui historical route are quite different. This area has shallow beaches, allowing for many ways to sculpt sand. Especially at Left Bank, which has been redesigned over the years and modernized.

The highly praised “sand sculptor workshop” will also host classes every Saturday, allowing kids to experience the joy of crafting with sand. With a series of events this strong, the public will be sure to leave with unforgettable summer memories.

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#NewTaipeiCity #sandsculptures #Bali #Tamsui #festival #Rilakkuma #SumikkoGurashi #SanX #DanjiangBridge

2026-08-10

Crested serpent eagle makes itself at home in living room

2026-08-10

Rider loses control over scooter seconds before disembarking ferry

2026-08-10

Backlash after Hiroshima leaves Taiwan out of diplomatic seating

A diplomatic snub at Nagasaki’s atomic bomb memorial is sparking outrage in Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, skipped the ceremony after learning he would be seated outside the diplomatic section. That’s despite Taiwan receiving diplomatic treatment just days earlier in Hiroshima. Now, critics are accusing Nagasaki of putting its ties with China ahead of its friendship with Taiwan, turning a dispute over seats into a question of national dignity.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae laid a wreath at Nagasaki’s Atomic Bomb Peace Memorial Ceremony, calling for nuclear disarmament and world peace. Taiwan’s representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, declined to attend the event after learning he would not be seated with diplomatic delegations. Taiwan’s Fukuoka Office director-general attended in his place.

Akio Yaita, head of the Indo-Pacific Strategy Think Tank, slammed Nagasaki City on Facebook, accusing the city of staying silent as China expands its nuclear arsenal while belittling Taiwan, a staunch supporter of Japan. He said the problem went beyond seating arrangements, affecting Taiwan’s national dignity and warning that hurting a true friend would only benefit Japan’s adversaries.

Only a few days earlier at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, Taiwanese officials had been seated in the area for diplomatic delegations. But at Nagasaki, Taiwan was placed in the “overseas groups” section meant for civic groups. Japanese netizens were outraged. One user wrote, “As a Japanese person, I feel ashamed. They came all the way from Taiwan, and when Japan faced difficulties, Taiwan provided a great deal of assistance. I’m sorry, Taiwan.” Another said, “I cannot tolerate what Nagasaki has done. This does not represent the consensus of all Japanese people. It is a problem with the Nagasaki mayor personally.”

Rosalia Wu
Lawmaker (DPP)
The Nagasaki City Government may have made these arrangements, which hurt Taiwan’s national dignity, due to its longstanding relationship with China. Nagasaki shouldn’t side with China, which is expanding its nuclear arsenal and disrupting peace. It shouldn’t undermine the strong trust and friendship between Taiwan and Japan. We hope Nagasaki will handle this in the same way Hiroshima did.

Chen Gau-tzu
Lawmaker (TPP)
We support Representative Lee Yi-yang in how he protested by taking action.

Amid the backlash, Nagasaki said that due to the limited seating, officials who could not be accommodated in the diplomatic section had to be assigned to the overseas section. Officials stressed that the arrangements for Taiwan were the same as last year, and stated they had not intended to downgrade Taiwan’s status. But considering Taiwan’s reception in Hiroshima, the explanation may still not convince critics.

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#diplomacy #hiroshima #nagasaki #history #japan #japanese #taiwan

2026-08-10

Meta, Google, and Samsung release new AI glasses

Competition in the smart glasses market is heating up, with Meta, Google, and Samsung all releasing new models. The glasses incorporate AI features that can do everything from offering instant translation for dozens of languages to serving as teleprompters for speaking engagements. Let’s take a look at these glasses.

- How are you today?
- If you put these glasses on, foreign languages can be translated on the spot, eliminating any language barriers.

These glasses offer over 35 different languages. Translations appear on the lenses and when giving speeches Even Realities smart glasses can also project one’s speech script. If it’s time to flip to the next page, just slide a finger along the smart ring and everything’s A-okay. The audience off-stage won’t even notice a thing.

Lee Chia-feng
iNNOHOME consultant
The LED light is projected onto both lenses of the glasses, so visually they’re very clear. Weighing just 36 grams, they have a 2-day battery life, so they’re glasses that can be worn every day, even replace the glasses you currently wear.

Samsung has now released its first generation of AI smart glasses. The South Korean company collaborated with Gentle Monster on their new product, which has a battery life of 9 hours. The glasses have Google Gemini and its AI features pre-installed, helping users with everything from summarizing meetings, translating, and navigating.

Choi Won-joon
Head of R&D Office of Samsung Mobile
Like your child taking their first step or your pet being completely ridiculous, by the time you find your phone and open your camera, the moment has already passed.

Meta brought in internet celebrity Kylie Jenner to model the glasses. Boasting a 12-megapixel camera that can be operated via voice control, these glasses have a battery life of 8 hours. They also add convenience to the lives of visually impaired people by doing things like telling them what’s in their vicinity and reading items off a menu.

Liao A-hui
Tech guru
In the real world, you can use them as a type of first-person camera to take photos and record videos of your daily life. And with AI they can do identification tasks. The main aspect is this is a new market, because in the past there really wasn’t a product like this. I think these glasses are most similar to being a type of cell phone accessory.

The smart glasses market is on the rise. Market research organizations predict that this year 13.6 million pairs will be sold and by 2030 annual sales are expected to surpass 50 million pairs.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#smartglasses #AI #thefutureishere #megapixels #Samsung #Meta #Google

2026-08-10