On the morning of July 31, President Daniel K.Y. Han of the Legislative Yuan received a nine-member delegation led by member of Japan’s House of Representatives Asano Satoshi, Chair of the Youth Division of Japan's Democratic Party for the People (DPFP). President Han was accompanied by Vice President Johnny C. Chiang, KMT Legislator Dr. Weng Hsiao-Ling, DPP Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting, International Affairs Department Director Kevin C.F. Lin, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Lin Yu-Hui under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Also in attendance was Director Tada Hatsu from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office.
In his remarks, President Han first extended a sincere welcome to the visiting delegation and joined Vice President Chiang and attending legislators in taking a commemorative group photo with the guests. President Han stated that the presence of Vice President Chiang and legislators from both the KMT and DPP caucuses in welcoming the delegation from the Youth Division of the DPFP underscored the Legislative Yuan's high regard for the Japanese delegates. President Han noted that just last week, Japan held its House of Councillors election, while Taiwan conducted a mass recall vote for legislators, highlighting once again the significance of stable democratic systems in both nations.
President Han went on saying that the current legislature consists of 113 members, including 48 women, which account for 42.5% of the total seats, a gender ratio that ranks highest among Asian parliaments. President Han, as the Speaker of Taiwan's highest institution of democratic representation, expressed his deep appreciation to Chairman Furuya Keiji and all members of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council for their longstanding efforts in advancing Taiwan-Japan relations. President Han further noted that in the current (11th) legislature, there are 85 legislators across party lines participating in the Taiwan-Japan Friendship Association, making it the largest parliamentary friendship group in the Legislative Yuan, reflecting the high level of friendship Taiwan holds for Japan.
President Han shared with the Japanese Diet Members present that as elected representatives, legislators must never forget the trust placed in them by their constituents and that serving the people is both a great honor and a profound responsibility. He encouraged all Members of Parliament to embody the principle of "being firm on issues and gracious with people," striving for excellence in their public service. President Han also expressed hope for closer exchanges and cooperation between the legislatures of Taiwan and Japan. Finally, he mentioned plans to lead a delegation to Japan this September to study preparations for the 2025 World Expo and engage in in-depth discussions with Japanese parliamentarians on matters of mutual concern, thereby strengthening parliamentary ties.
Vice President Chiang shared that since assuming office last year (2024), he has led two delegations to Japan. The first was in March to attend the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians' Union (APPU) General Assembly in Tokyo, accompanied by cross-party legislators. The second was in August, when he was invited to participate in the Taiwan-Japan Parliamentary Members Friendly Soccer Match, marking a historic first in sports diplomacy for the Legislative Yuan. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the Japanese Parliament's unwavering support for Taiwan and announced that this year, Taiwan will host the 53rd APPU General Assembly from August 27 to 29 in Taipei. He warmly invited all members of the DPFP to participate in the event. Vice President Chiang added that Japan’s delegation to the APPU had always been the largest, and this year, Taiwan will proudly welcome parliamentarians from Japan and around the world with the finest wine and cuisine.
Vice President Chiang further stated that due to democratic reform, declining birthrates, and globalization, Taiwan has gradually evolved into an immigrant society that is highly receptive to new cultures over the past three decades, adding that anyone with professional abilities can gain broad public support in Taiwan, as there is no discrimination based on gender, age, or ethnicity. This, Vice President Chiang explained, is why the proportion of female legislators in Taiwan continues to rise. He also emphasized that under the framework of the new U.S.-Japan tariff agreement, Taiwan and Japan should strengthen their partnership to serve as each other’s strongest support and make greater contributions to regional development. Vice President Chiang expressed hope that Taiwan will one day serve as a model for Chinese-speaking societies.
Representative Asano expressed his gratitude to President Han and the cross-party legislators for their warm reception despite their busy schedules. He stated that the DPFP made gains in both last year’s House of Representatives election and this year’s House of Councillors election, largely due to the party’s focus on technology and social welfare related policies that resonated with voters. He added that this overseas visit marked the first for the party’s Youth Division, and that Taiwan was selected as the first stop to sincerely thank the Taiwanese public—especially for their immediate and heartfelt assistance following the major earthquake in Japan’s Noto Peninsula in January last year, which the Japanese people appreciate deeply. Representative Asano also expressed concern for the recent typhoon-induced flooding in central and southern Taiwan in July, and extended his heartfelt sympathies to those affected, hoping that reconstruction in the disaster-hit regions would be completed soon, allowing residents to resume their regular lives.
Representative Asano continued by saying that the main purpose of this visit was to learn about Taiwan’s approaches to digital technology and related policy-making; hence the delegation will visit science parks and fact-checking institutions to gain valuable experience. He emphasized that as a legislative body, the National Diet plays a central role in lawmaking, and he hopes to draw on Taiwan’s successful examples to support relevant legislative efforts in Japan. Representative Asano also announced that the DPFP will send senior members to attend this year’s APPU conference in Taiwan.
Representative Asano noted that although the new U.S.-Japan tariff agreement reduced tariffs from 25% to 15%, the rates remain high compared to historical levels; therefore, safeguarding Japan’s core industrial interests has become an urgent task for the government. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of Taiwan’s development in digital and innovative technologies, which Japan can learn from. Representative Asano said that if Taiwan and Japan can further strengthen cooperation in the tech sector, it would unlock significant collaborative potential. He pledged to advocate for increased budgets in the Japanese National Diet to promote deeper technological cooperation with Taiwan.
During the exchange, Legislator Weng mentioned the close relations between Taiwan and Japan in both governmental and civic spheres. Citing her own family members' experiences studying in Japan, Legislator Weng affirmed the enduring cooperation between the two countries. Drawing on her experience as a university professor, Legislator Weng emphasized the importance of academic and talent exchange between Taiwan and Japan. She pledged to urge relevant government agencies to promote greater interaction in AI technology and exchange of professionals, and suggested that Japan also launch similar initiatives to enhance bilateral engagement among young students, thereby building a stronger partnership.
Legislator Chen stated that as the Director of the Youth Department of the ruling party (DPP), he will lead a delegation to Japan in early August and hopes to meet with members of the DPFP and other major political parties. He expressed strong support for the DPFP’s proposed blueprint to strengthen industrial and technological cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, noting that it aligns closely with the focus of Taiwan’s ruling party. Using Chiayi County (his constituency) as an example, he said that the DPFP’s policies that "resonate with daily life " could serve as important references for constituency work and future legislative initiatives.
The two sides engaged in wide-ranging and in-depth discussions on issues including the application of artificial intelligence (AI), academic collaboration, and gender equality. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and was conducted in a friendly and cordial atmosphere. It concluded successfully with both sides exchanging commemorative gifts and taking group photos.
