Can the relationship between Japan and Taiwan be improved?

Question

Japan and Taiwan are beautiful countries, but the relationship between them should improved. Although Taiwan was part of the Japanese empire until WW2, it should formed parternship with Japan. In addition, China should not harmed Taiwan, but recogized it as a nation and formed a peaceful meeting with the country :).

Answer 1

I hadn't thought of this aspect of the two countries before, but given both's relationship with the PRC, it would seem that they would have at least a few commonalities. As well, they are both customers of US defense contractors.
I wonder also if there is an issue with the way the Japanese view the war and their overall culture that prevents them from addressing the war issue in a way that the neighboring nations can use to start putting it behind them. Agreed, the Japanese military is responsible for atrocities that are seldom mentioned in the US, but it would seem that they would avoid visiting shrines to their military dead in China and so on in the interest of cooperation.
I know that South Korea is also dim on the idea of befreinding Japan for the same reason.

Answer 2

I think there is always room for improvement in the relations between any two countries, but I think the relationship between Taiwan and Japan is one of the best in Asia. Many Taiwanese leaders choose elite Japanese schools for higher education, so they are well connected with their Japanese counterparts, and naturally speak Japanese well. Tourism, in addition to trade, is active between the two nations. My little sister has spent the last three years studying and working in Taiwan, and could not be happier there.