On the afternoon of June 25, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan met with Japanese House of Representatives Member and former Minister in Charge of Economic Security Kobayashi Takayuki, who was accompanied by a three-member delegation. President Han was joined by KMT Legislator Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, DPP Legislators Chen Kuan-Ting and Lee Kun-Cheng, TPP Legislator Lin Kuo-Chen, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, Secretary General of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Chang Jen-Chiu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Representative Takaba Yo of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office, and Director Mogi Yasushi.

President Han first extended a warm welcome to the visiting guests, noting that legislators from all three major party caucuses had been appointed to jointly receive the delegation—demonstrating the Legislative Yuan’s strong cross-party commitment to advancing Taiwan-Japan friendship. President Han went on to say that over the past year and a half, he has received numerous parliamentary delegations from around the world at the Legislative Yuan. Among them, Representative Kobayashi left a lasting impression with his distinguished appearance and charisma, reminiscent of a film star. President Han introduced the composition of the Legislative Yuan, noting that it currently comprises 113 members, of whom 48 are women, which accounts for an impressive 42.5%, and mentioned that this reflects Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in advancing gender equality. In addition, President Han noted that in the current (11th) session, as many as 85 legislators from across party lines have joined the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association, making it the largest of all parliamentary friendship groups in the Legislative Yuan—underscoring Taiwan’s strong goodwill toward Japan.

President Han further noted that, according to a public opinion poll conducted by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association in April 2025, 76% of the Taiwanese public considers Japan their most favored country, with 81% expressing feelings of closeness and goodwill toward Japan. He added that 77% of the Japanese public also views Taiwan favorably. This deep-rooted friendship between Taiwan and Japan spans across various sectors, including the economy, academia, and business, underscoring the steady and enduring development of Taiwan-Japan relations in the past, present, and into the future. President Han conveyed his best wishes for Representative Kobayashi’s continued outstanding performance in Japan’s political arena.

Representative Kobayashi expressed his gratitude to President Han and the cross-party legislators for their warm reception despite their busy schedules. He highlighted that Deputy Representative Takaba of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, who was also present, has played a key role in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations. In addition, he hoped the Legislative Yuan would continue its close engagement with the Association to further strengthen cooperation and friendship. He also echoed President Han’s remarks on elections, noting that upon returning to Japan at the conclusion of this visit, he would immediately begin assisting in campaigns for the upcoming House of Councillors election on July 20. He made special mention of the wife of Japanese Councillor Takinami Hirofumi—widely known as a “son-in-law of Taiwan”—who actively engaged with a crowd of 400 to 500 supporters at a Liberal Democratic Party campaign event last week, leaving a deep impression. He went on to express with emotion that although this was his first visit to Taiwan in seven years, it felt as if no time had passed at all. In his capacity as an advisor to the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party, he mentioned that he often has the opportunity to engage with cross-party legislators from the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association during their visits to Tokyo, adding that these exchanges have been marked by a warm and lively atmosphere, reflecting the deep and close friendship between Taiwan and Japan.

Representative Kobayashi further remarked that Taiwan-Japan relations extend beyond political, economic, and other forms of exchange, embodying a profound sense of kizuna—the emotional bonds and heartfelt connections between people. He added that it was this very spirit of human connection that inspired his return visit to Taiwan. He emphasized that in Japan’s strategic thinking, regardless of changes in the external environment, Japan will never allow Taiwan to feel isolated. In particular, he mentioned that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is not only vital to Taiwan’s own security, but also fundamentally linked to Japan’s national interests. He also expressed his hope that over the next five to ten years, Taiwan and Japan will work hand in hand to confront shared challenges and continue advancing substantive exchanges and cooperation—particularly in the economic sphere—to achieve win-win outcomes.

Representative Kobayashi concluded by noting that, much like the Legislative Yuan, support for Taiwan among members of the Japanese Diet transcends party lines. He recalled with deep gratitude the generosity shown by the government and people of Taiwan during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake—acts of kindness that brought warmth in times of hardship and left a lasting impression on the Japanese people. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will further expand cooperation in areas such as disaster prevention, energy, and information and communications technology. He further emphasized that TSMC’s investment in establishing a plant in Kumamoto has not only contributed to the founding of a local semiconductor academy, but also brought immense hope and promising prospects to the youth of Japan. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Taiwanese government for its strong support of Japan.

During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Weng remarked that prior to serving in the Legislative Yuan, she had spent over two decades teaching in university law departments, adding that throughout her academic career, she had conducted extensive research referencing the Japanese legal system, and held particular admiration for the fairness and independence of Japan’s judiciary. She noted that Taiwan and Japan today share strong ties not only in trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, but also in times of natural disasters and crises, when both sides have extended wholehearted assistance to one another—demonstrating a close partnership built on mutual reliability and shared need. She also mentioned that the recent construction of evacuation facilities by the Japanese government in Yonaguni underscores the importance of disaster preparedness. She expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will continue working together to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.

Legislator Chen noted that he currently serves as Director of the DPP Youth Division and strongly agreed with Representative Kobayashi’s remarks regarding the deep and unique kizuna that has long characterized Taiwan-Japan relations. He emphasized that in order to advance the steady development of Taiwan-Japan relations, the Youth Division must actively shoulder the important responsibility of party-to-party diplomacy and work to strengthen substantive exchanges and cooperation with Japan. Legislator Chen also expressed strong agreement with the strategic perspective put forth by the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo that “a Taiwan contingency is a Japan contingency.” He affirmed his commitment to promoting deeper and more diverse exchanges between Taiwan and Japan in the fields of international affairs and youth engagement.

Legislator Lee extended a sincere invitation to Representative Kobayashi to visit Taiwan again during this year’s National Day celebrations. He noted that Representative Kobayashi, having formerly served as Japan’s Minister in Charge of Economic Security, is well aware of the critical role the economy plays in national development. He added that this is particularly evident in the case of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan, which is not only central to industrial growth but also closely tied to national strategy and security, with TSMC’s establishment of a plant in Kumamoto standing as a prime example. He also voiced support for strengthening future cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in the fields of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. He welcomed the fact that the two sides have consistently stood by each other in times of major disasters, demonstrating a virtuous cycle of mutual support and goodwill.

Legislator Lin remarked that although the Taiwan People’s Party is a relatively new and smaller political party, representatives from the Liberal Democratic Party Youth Division consistently make a point to visit the TPP during their trips to Taiwan—demonstrating Japan’s genuine respect and recognition. He emphasized that the TPP holds tremendous potential for future growth, and sincerely expressed hope that Representative Kobayashi will maintain close ties with the TPP to jointly advance the deepening and generational continuity of Taiwan-Japan friendship.

The two sides subsequently engaged in extensive and in-depth discussions on topics including applications of artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness cooperation, and energy security. At the conclusion of the meeting, President Han stated that the Legislative Yuan will host the annual conference of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union (APPU) in Taipei from August 27 to 29 this year. He extended a sincere invitation to Representative Kobayashi to visit Taiwan again at that time and take part in this significant international event. President Han also emphasized that Taiwan currently faces exceptionally challenging diplomatic circumstances. He added that the opportunity to invite parliamentarians from across the Asia-Pacific region to engage in face-to-face dialogue through such a platform carries profound significance for the Republic of China (Taiwan)’s diplomatic efforts. The meeting lasted approximately one hour in a warm and cordial atmosphere. It concluded successfully with an exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo.