Taipei: Two groups of Japanese lawmakers are currently visiting Taiwan to engage in high-level discussions with Taiwanese officials, including President Lai Ching-te, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Monday. The delegation includes prominent figures such as former Japanese Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki and Akihisa Nagashima, a special adviser to former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
According to Focus Taiwan, House of Representatives members Keisuke Suzuki, Akihisa Nagashima, and Junichi Kanda, an ex-Japanese vice minister of justice, are on a four-day visit to Taiwan, from Monday to Thursday. During their stay, the group will hold meetings with various Taiwanese officials, including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and the foreign and defense ministers. These discussions are expected to cover a range of topics related to Taiwan-Japan relations, such as regional developments, economic security, and bilateral trade.
In a separate statement, MOFA disclosed that another Japanese delegation, comprised of five members and led by Hirofumi Takinami from Japan's House of Councillors, is also visiting Taiwan during the same period. This group is scheduled to meet with President Lai, Premier Cho Jung-tai, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih. Takinami, noted for his longstanding support of Taiwan-Japan parliamentary exchanges, is married to a Taiwanese woman.
Lin Yu-hui, deputy head of MOFA's Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, stated that approximately 30 Japanese lawmakers are expected to visit Taiwan in late December and early 2026, following the conclusion of an extraordinary Diet session on December 17. These frequent visits signify stronger bilateral ties and increased cooperation across various sectors.
Additionally, Koichi Hagiuda, a prominent member of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and part of the Japan-ROC Diet Members' Consultative Council, is anticipated to visit Taiwan this week to meet with President Lai. Hagiuda will be accompanied by city councilors from Hachioji City, who plan to visit Kaohsiung, Hachioji's sister city in southern Taiwan, during their trip.