Taiwan-Japan relations continue to thrive in 2025, according to a new poll released by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. The survey shows that 76% of Taiwanese citizens picked Japan as their favorite country.
The poll, conducted from Dec. 27, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, gathered responses from 1,520 participants across Taiwan. Respondents ranged from ages 20 to 80 and came from northern, central, southern, and eastern regions. The margin of error was ±2.51 percentage points with 95% confidence.
Compared to 2021, Japan’s popularity has surged by 16 percentage points. South Korea ranked a distant second at 4%, while China and the United States tied for third at 3%.
Taiwanese people also expressed strong emotional ties to Japan. Around 81% said they feel “very close” or “close” to Japan, marking a 16-point increase from the previous survey. Notably, younger respondents showed the strongest connection.
Travel preferences further underscored Taiwan-Japan relations. Nearly 68% of those surveyed chose Japan as their top destination for international travel. Europe followed at 11%, while China and Australia/New Zealand trailed behind.
In terms of global influence on Taiwan, respondents still viewed the US as the most impactful (48%). However, Japan came in second at 30%, overtaking China at 19%. This change highlights Japan’s growing importance to Taiwan.
Trust in Japan also reached record levels. About 71% of Taiwanese said they trust Japan, up 11 percentage points from 2021. Only 4% expressed distrust. Most people cited shared values like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law as key reasons.
Regarding Taiwan-Japan relations, 77% believe the current relationship is positive. This figure rose by 7 points and marked the highest level of approval since 2008.
Looking ahead, 73% expect Taiwan-Japan relations to keep improving. Many anticipate growth in economic ties (65%) and tourism (59%).
Despite the optimism, some concerns remain. Around 24% worry about Japan’s relations with China. Others point to cross-strait tensions (21%), the Fukushima nuclear incident (14%), and broader global issues (11%).
Among those concerned about Japan-China ties, 24% feared Japan might reduce support for Taiwan. Another 15% believed China’s influence could pressure Japan into prioritizing its interests.
Overall, the survey confirms that Taiwan-Japan relations remain strong. Shared values, mutual trust, and cultural affinity continue to deepen the bond between both nati
