Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has welcomed remarks by Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who described Taiwan as “an extremely important partner and precious friend.” The ministry says the comments clearly reflect the deep friendship between Taiwan and Japan and Tokyo’s long-standing emphasis on bilateral ties. 

Motegi made the statement at the post-election press conference on Tuesday, following Japan’s latest House of Representatives elections. He said Taiwan and Japan share fundamental values and maintain close economic and people-to-people exchanges, pledging that Tokyo will further deepen exchanges and cooperation with Taipei based on its existing position. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) expressed appreciation and warmly welcomed the remarks.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry noted that both after Sanae Takaichi took office in October 2025 and again following the lower house election, Tokyo moved quickly to publicly signal its willingness to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Taiwan. It said this demonstrates both the depth of Taiwan-Japan friendship and the Japanese government’s consistent stance in highly valuing relations with Taiwan. 

Looking ahead, the ministry said Taiwan will continue to build on the solid foundation of existing ties under its “all-out diplomacy” approach. It aims to deepen substantive cooperation with Japan across multiple sectors and upgrade relations into a comprehensive, mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.