Representative to Japan Lee Yi-yang Temporarily Returns to Taiwan for Treatment, Compares Himself to Old Car in Shop for Repair
Taiwan's Representative to Japan, Lee Yi-yang, is returning to Taiwan temporarily for medical treatment. Comparing himself to an old car, he highlighted his intense diplomatic efforts—interacting 1.8 times more with lawmakers than his predecessors—and hopes to resume work soon.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 01:50
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 04:18 (2h 28m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 05:14 (55 min after Collected)
Lee Yi-yang used "car age" as a metaphor for his physical condition, saying that if 5 years of human life is equivalent to 1 year of a car's age, he is already an old car over 14 years old, and it is perfectly normal to go to the shop for maintenance, but he emphasized that "the old car can still run very well."
He pointed out that during his 1 year and 7 months in Japan, his achievements in interacting with Japanese Diet members—a core task of the ambassador to Japan—reached 1.8 times the average of his three predecessors, proving "this old car is running diligently."
He explained that Japan's policy toward Taiwan is highly determined by Diet members, so managing relationships with them is crucial. The objects of his interaction included not only current cabinet members but also former and potential future cabinet members. He deepened exchanges through courtesy calls, meetings at the representative office, and dinners, paving the way for the long-term development of Taiwan-Japan relations.
Lee Yi-yang also mentioned that in addition to parliamentary diplomacy, the work of the Representative Office in Japan also includes interactions with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, as well as maintaining contact with local governments, councils, and various pro-Taiwan groups. At the same time, he had to attend events for the overseas compatriot community, industry exhibitions, and cultural and artistic activities, making his schedule extremely heavy.
He stated that even with an enormous workload, he still tried his best to attend most important occasions, and he thanked the two deputy representatives for sharing the pressure and all sectors for their long-term support.
Lee Yi-yang emphasized his hope that after a short period of recuperation, he could set out again in better condition and contribute further to the enhancement of Taiwan-Japan relations. (Edited by Hong Peiying) 1150419
He pointed out that during his 1 year and 7 months in Japan, his achievements in interacting with Japanese Diet members—a core task of the ambassador to Japan—reached 1.8 times the average of his three predecessors, proving "this old car is running diligently."
He explained that Japan's policy toward Taiwan is highly determined by Diet members, so managing relationships with them is crucial. The objects of his interaction included not only current cabinet members but also former and potential future cabinet members. He deepened exchanges through courtesy calls, meetings at the representative office, and dinners, paving the way for the long-term development of Taiwan-Japan relations.
Lee Yi-yang also mentioned that in addition to parliamentary diplomacy, the work of the Representative Office in Japan also includes interactions with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, as well as maintaining contact with local governments, councils, and various pro-Taiwan groups. At the same time, he had to attend events for the overseas compatriot community, industry exhibitions, and cultural and artistic activities, making his schedule extremely heavy.
He stated that even with an enormous workload, he still tried his best to attend most important occasions, and he thanked the two deputy representatives for sharing the pressure and all sectors for their long-term support.
Lee Yi-yang emphasized his hope that after a short period of recuperation, he could set out again in better condition and contribute further to the enhancement of Taiwan-Japan relations. (Edited by Hong Peiying) 1150419