Taiwan and Japan are talking up closer ties, a positive sign for business and diplomacy between the two.

• Taiwan's foreign minister met the new head of the federation of Taiwanese business groups in Japan, praising warmer relations.
• TSMC's chip plant investment in Kumamoto was credited with lifting the relationship to a new level.
• After a strong earthquake hit Kumamoto, Taiwan raised more than NT$280 million in donations from over 19,000 gifts.
• Visits between the two sides hit a record last year and look set to go higher this year, with more Japanese lawmakers travelling to Taipei.
• The new chamber head pledged to rally Japanese business groups to raise Taiwan's international profile.

Outlook: Expect more exchanges through 2027, when Yokohama hosts a world horticultural expo likely to draw large numbers of Taiwanese visitors.