Former Japanese Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki arrived in Taiwan Monday, August 3, to participate in the Ketagalan Forum – an annual security-focused dialogue. While here, the Foreign Ministry said Suzuki will also meet with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), and other political figures to discuss issues of common interest between Japan and Taiwan.

Suzuki is an experienced politician who has held many positions over his career and has visited Taiwan several times and worked in-depth to improve Taiwan-Japan ties. Much of his work has focused on Japanese diplomacy and regional security policy, including the stability of the Taiwan Strait. He is also a longstanding friend of Taiwan – during his tenure as justice minister, he amended ministerial regulations in May 2025 to allow Taiwanese residing in Japan to file “Taiwan” on their family registry. 

The Foreign Ministry noted that both countries share similar ideals of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As important partners in the First Island Chain, both must face security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and reckon with the volatile global situation. The ministry said Suzuki’s visit will help build a closer and more resilient Taiwan-Japan relationship, and further discussion on safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity in the Taiwan Strait and larger region.