Japan-Taiwan Relations: A Strong Bond
Importance of Taiwan to Japan
Kazuyuki Katayama, the Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, emphasized the crucial role Taiwan plays for Japan. In an interview, he highlighted the strategic and economic importance of their relationship, noting shared values like democracy and human rights.
Economic and Tourism Ties
The economic connection between Taiwan and Japan is robust, particularly in agriculture and animal husbandry. Taiwan has eased restrictions on Japanese products, and Japan has started importing Taiwan’s brown-marbled grouper and pitaya. Tourism is also booming, with over 4.2 million Taiwanese visiting Japan last year, a number expected to surpass 5 million this year.
Peace and Stability
Katayama stressed the need for peace across the Taiwan Strait, advocating for peaceful resolutions to any changes in the status quo. This is vital not only for Taiwan and Japan but for other countries as well.
Future Generations and Cultural Exchange
Reflecting on his time in Taiwan, Katayama noted the warm ties between young people in both nations. He encouraged more Taiwanese youth to study and work in Japan to maintain these strong relations.
Tourism Growth
Japanese tourism to Taiwan has surged, with over 1 million visitors in the first 10 months of this year, a 50% increase from last year. To attract more tourists, Taiwan is hosting a baseball-themed exhibition featuring a ball hit by Japanese star Shohei Ohtani.
Doubts Revealed
Kazuyuki Katayama -: Kazuyuki Katayama is a person who works to improve the relationship between Japan and Taiwan. He is the Chief Representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, which means he helps both countries understand and work with each other better.
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association -: The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association is a group that helps Japan and Taiwan be friends and work together. They focus on things like trade, culture, and tourism to make sure both countries have a good relationship.
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China. It is important for trade and travel, and keeping peace there is important for both Taiwan and Japan.
Cultural exchanges -: Cultural exchanges are activities where people from different countries share their traditions, art, and customs. This helps them understand each other better and build friendships.
