The 12th Japan–Taiwan Student Conference held in Tokyo

During his speech, Director Lin thanked all who attended this 12th conference, and he used the number “12” to encourage the students assembled. He pointed out that 12 has many cultural associations, such as the traditional 12 two-hour divisions of a day, the 12 signs of the zodiac, and just like a circle, these can be the beginning of the next cycle, as well as the end of one. Director Lin hoped that similarly this conference would not be a one off, and that it would continue for many years to come.

An exchange event held on the evening of August 15 was attended by over 100 university students from both Taiwan and Japan. Frank C.T. Hsieh (謝長廷代表), the Representative at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, said in his speech that it is the duty of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to let the younger generation know about the importance of Japan–Taiwan relations, and that having Japanese and Taiwanese student exchanges on culture, history, and different ways of thinking can become the foundation of future friendly Japan–Taiwan relations.

Japan’s university students formed the Japan Taiwan Student Forum in 2005, In order to improve Japanese and Taiwanese student exchanges, and the next year they began working together with the Taiwan Japan Student Association in 2006. They hold exchange conferences every year, in both Taiwan and Japan by turn. The 12th conference was held in Tokyo, from August 14 to August 21, featuring discussions on tourism, studying abroad, family relations, and natural disasters, along with other speeches and presentations.

Photo：The 12th Japan-Taiwan Student Conference held in Tokyo.