Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Taiwan-Japan relations have reached new heights after meeting with the newly elected president of the Japan Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday.  

According to a Foreign Ministry news release, Lin received the 14th-term delegation of the association, including new Chairperson Lai Pen‑mien (賴本勉), Honorary President Tōgō Kiyoryū, and Assistant President Hung I-fen (洪益芬).

Lin welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the association’s long-standing presence and for the contributions of Taiwanese expatriates in strengthening friendship and exchanges between the two sides. 

He said TSMC’s investment in Kumamoto has further elevated bilateral ties. Frequent visits from people in Taiwan and Japan, including Japanese lawmakers’ trips to Taiwan, have also demonstrated the depth of the relationship, particularly during difficult times. 

Following a major earthquake in Kumamoto, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry opened a donation account that has received more than 19,000 contributions totaling NT$280 million (US$8.8 million), reflecting Taiwanese people’s concern for Japan, Lin said.

He added that bilateral exchanges reached a record high last year during the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Japan and are expected to set another record this year. Yokohama will host the International Horticultural Expo 2027, attracting many Taiwanese visitors.

Chairperson Lai indicated his intention to continue to leverage resources from chambers of commerce throughout Japan to help expand international friendships with Taiwan.