The four-day Japan visit by Puma Shen, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, has ended, sending a positive signal for Taiwan-Japan exchanges while also laying the groundwork for his Taipei policy platform.

• Shen arrived back at Taoyuan Airport late on the night of the 14th, wrapping up a visit to Japan that began on the 11th.
• He discussed security and technology issues with Japanese lawmakers, including AI, industry, undersea cables, lawfare and cognitive warfare.
• On municipal affairs, he studied Japanese practices such as the smoke-free city, protection against child abuse, free school lunches and sports facilities.
• He launched a Japan support group in Tokyo and spoke with local industry figures about drawing talent back to Taipei and urban renewal in the city.
• Kobe city councillor Hirohiro Uehata arrived in Taiwan the same evening, and a number of Japanese lawmakers are also set to make return visits.

Outlook: Arrangements for the return visits by the Japanese lawmakers will be discussed further with the party caucus. Because Shen is currently running for office, the exchanges can only be conducted in his capacity as a legislator and address national issues, and cannot touch on campaign activities.