TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Tuesday called for closer Taiwan–Japan cooperation across security and industry as he met Japanese lawmaker Takinami Hirofumi in Taipei.

Cho welcomed a delegation led by Takinami, chair of the pro-Taiwan TY Group within Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, per CNA. He praised Takinami as a long-time advocate for Taiwan who helped push regulatory changes allowing Taiwanese nationals to list “Taiwan” in Japan’s household registration system.

The premier also thanked Tokyo for providing submersible water gauges to Taiwan after a barrier lake overflowed in Hualien in September. Cho said the cooperation highlighted mutual support during natural disasters.

Cho said peace must be backed by strength, noting Taiwan has drafted a special act to enhance defense resilience and asymmetric capabilities. The plan would invest NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.5 billion) over eight years, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to regional stability.

Takinami said his push to reform Japan’s household registration rules began after former Taiwan representative to Japan Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) raised the issue three years ago. He said the matter became personal after discovering his Taiwanese wife’s registration listed China, prompting him to convene a study group to seek change.

Takinami also recalled that Japan’s upper house passed a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he hopes the TY Association can expand its support for Taiwan in international organizations.