President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan met with former Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Ohashi Mitsuo and his delegation on the afternoon of June 26. The meeting was attended by cross-party legislators, including Vice Chair of the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association TPP Legislator Huang Shan-Shan, KMT Legislator Wang Yu-Min, and DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting. Also present were Deputy Director of the Department of International Affairs Yang Fang-Ling, Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Yu-Hui, Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Katayama Kazuyuki, and Senior Research Officer Kobayashi Chino.

As a gesture of respect for former Chairman Ohashi, President Han personally welcomed the delegation at the main entrance of the Legislative Yuan and accompanied him to the reception room. In his remarks, President Han first extended a warm welcome to former Chairman Ohashi and his delegation. He expressed particular appreciation to Mr. Ohashi for his dedicated service since 2011 as Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, during which he made outstanding contributions to advancing bilateral exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan. President Han added that over the past 14 years, his efforts have laid a solid foundation for Taiwan-Japan relations. President Han noted that during his tenure, former Chairman Ohashi played a pivotal role in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations by helping facilitate the conclusion of more than 50 significant cooperation agreements across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, fisheries, taxation, and judicial measures. He emphasized that legislators from across party lines had joined the reception for Mr. Ohashi’s farewell visit, underscoring the Legislative Yuan’s deep respect and high regard for his contributions. President Han emphasized that in the face of today’s turbulent and rapidly changing international landscape, Taiwan and Japan must stand together in solidarity to overcome shared challenges. He expressed his hope that even after stepping down, former Chairman Ohashi would continue to exert his influence in support of deepening exchanges and strengthening the friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan.

In his remarks, former Chairman Ohashi reflected that over the 14 years he served as Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, he encountered numerous challenges, yet it was his deep affection for Taiwan and unwavering commitment to strengthening Taiwan-Japan relations that sustained his dedication throughout all those years. Although he has stepped down from his role as Chairman, Mr. Ohashi emphasized that he will continue to contribute to the deepening of Taiwan-Japan friendship in his capacity as Chair of the National Political Association. Mr. Ohashi concluded by noting that many countries today find themselves at odds with their neighbors, with some even descending into war. Precisely because nations are neighbors, he stressed, they should strive to live in harmony. He praised the friendship between Taiwan and Japan as a global model, adding that if such a relationship could be extended worldwide, it would help eliminate the threat of war and nuclear weapons, paving the way toward true peace.

During the bilateral exchange, Legislator Huang recalled that during her tenure as Deputy Mayor of Taipei, she witnessed Japan’s strong support for municipal governance and epidemic response efforts. She also noted that the Legislative Yuan’s Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association, chaired by President Han and joined by one vice chair from each of the three major parties, is the largest caucus of its kind in the Legislative Yuan—demonstrating the legislature’s strong commitment to advancing Taiwan-Japan relations. Legislator Huang further remarked that during former Chairman Ohashi’s 14-year tenure, the Taiwan-Japan friendship continued to deepen and bilateral relations progressed steadily, yielding remarkable results. She emphasized that former Chairman Ohashi’s pivotal role in this process is evident to all, and she wished to express her deepest respect and sincere gratitude for his contributions.

Legislator Wang remarked that former Chairman Ohashi’s surname, which means “great bridge,” also symbolizes his role in building a strong bridge of friendship between Taiwan and Japan. She expressed her gratitude for his many years of contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. Legislator Wang also shared her experiences collaborating with Japanese counterparts during her tenure as Deputy Mayor of Taichung, including the launch of direct flight routes and the establishment of sister-city partnerships. Legislator Wang concluded by stating that as a member of the Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, she hopes to draw on Japan’s expertise and experience in related fields. She expressed her anticipation for deeper cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Japan in areas such as long-term care and geriatric healthcare.

In his remarks delivered in fluent Japanese, Legislator Chen expressed his heartfelt gratitude to former Chairman Ohashi for his 14 years of contributions to Taiwan-Japan relations. He commended Mr. Ohashi’s unwavering dedication to sustaining the bilateral relationship, noting that his efforts are truly admirable. He also emphasized that he would look to former Chairman Ohashi as a role model and remain committed to advancing bilateral exchanges and cooperation in his various roles in the future.

The two sides engaged in a wide-ranging exchange of views on topics including Taiwan-Japan relations, the Osaka World Expo, and the international situation. The meeting lasted approximately 30 minutes and was marked by a warm and cordial atmosphere. President Han specially prepared a selection of Taiwan’s renowned pastries as gifts for the delegation, hoping to leave them with fond memories of Taiwan’s culinary culture. Following an exchange of souvenirs and a commemorative group photo, President Han personally bid farewell to former Chairman Ohashi and the visiting delegation, bringing the meeting to a successful conclusion.