TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆), the party’s Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, visited Tokyo and Kumamoto on Monday to strengthen Kaohsiung’s political, economic, and technology ties with Japan.
CNA reported that Lai began the two-day visit with DPP legislators Chiu Chih-wei (邱志偉), Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), and Kuo Kuo-wen (郭國文). The delegation met Japanese political figures, held city exchanges, and visited companies linked to key industries.
Lai said the visit was part of his plan to help Kaohsiung expand its global reach. He said the city should connect more with the world while bringing more international resources and opportunities to Kaohsiung.
In Tokyo, Lai met Furuya Keiji, who leads a pro-Taiwan Japanese parliamentary group. He also met Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Hagiuda Koichi, former Hachioji Mayor Kurosu Ryuichi, and House of Representatives economic committee Chair Kudo Shozo.
Lai also visited a Liberal Democratic Party task force that reviews Taiwan policy. He said the meetings gave the delegation a chance to thank Japanese friends who have supported Taiwan and Kaohsiung over many years.
The delegation traveled to Kumamoto on Tuesday for the second day of the trip. Lai met Kumamoto Governor Kimura Takashi and exchanged views with several companies in the semiconductor supply chain.
Kumamoto has become an important base for Japan’s semiconductor development. Lai said Kaohsiung can learn from the region’s experience as the city develops its own role in advanced manufacturing and technology.
Lai said one of the main goals of the visit was “democratic prosperity,” which he described as growth based on shared democratic values. He said Taiwan and Japan both value democracy and freedom, and should build closer cooperation on that foundation.
Lai said Kaohsiung is at an important moment in its next stage of development. He said the city needs leaders who understand global trends, maintain international trust, and bring more opportunities back to Kaohsiung.
