Japan to Establish Overseas Voting Stations in Taiwan for Expats

The Japanese government has announced plans to set up two overseas voting stations in Taiwan, aimed at providing Japanese expatriates in Taiwan with easier access to voting. This new measure is expected to be implemented as early as this summer during the upcoming House of Councilors elections.
The voting locations will be established at the Taipei and Kaohsiung offices of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association. Due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Japan, voting stations have not been set up in Taiwan previously; however, this initiative stems from a proposal by Kazuyuki Katayama, the representative of the association, and has received government approval.
Currently, about 21,700 Japanese residents live in Taiwan, with around 16,700 eligible voters. Many Japanese in Taiwan are eagerly anticipating this change, believing it will reduce voting inconveniences and expressing deep concern for the political situation in Japan.
This initiative has garnered strong support from Japanese netizens, who view the establishment of voting stations in Taiwan as a significant step that not only makes voting easier for expatriates but also strengthens Taiwan-Japan relations.