Total private-sector donations for the Kumamoto earthquake reached NT$150 million, while the Taiwan dollar fell to around NT$4.7 per ¥1 following coordinated intervention by Japan and the United States. Nishimatsuya plans to open 20 stores in Taiwan over the next 5 years.
Private-sector donations for the Kumamoto earthquake made through Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs totaled NT$150 million. President Lai, Vice President Hsiao and Premier Cho each announced personal donations, and donations were also made to the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, a public interest incorporated foundation.
In this week's business news, the cash selling rate for Japanese yen at Bank of Taiwan fell to around NT$0.21 per ¥1 owing to the effects of coordinated intervention by Japan and the United States, bringing the exchange rate to a level of yen strength and Taiwan dollar weakness.
Nishimatsuya announced plans to open 20 stores in Taiwan over the next 5 years. The company has already opened its first overseas directly operated store in Tainan, expanded to Taichung, Taoyuan and New Taipei, and opened its first store in Taipei in August.
Political exchanges between Japan and Taiwan have continued, including a visit to Taiwan by the Liberal Democratic Party's Youth Division and participation by a Taiwanese delegation in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. Moves to pay a courtesy call on President Lai and remarks concerning nuclear expansion were also reported.