Shen Pao-yang visits Tokyo youth forum, seeking support and smart sustainability for Taipei

Shen Po-yang, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator, recently held a youth forum in Tokyo, Japan, in his capacity as a participant in the Taipei mayoral race, outlining his vision and governance blueprint for Taipei City to youths residing in Japan. This move is not only an extension of his personal election campaign, but also one of the DPP's strategies to win the support of young voters on the international stage. During the forum, Legislator Shen interacted with the audience in a relaxed manner, specially arranging a rapid-fire Q&A session that allowed attendees to directly ask questions regarding Taipei's future urban governance, demonstrating his desire to listen to public opinion and build consensus with an open attitude.

In the quick-response segment, when the host asked which restaurant he would choose if he were to have dinner with incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Shen Po-yang joked that he loves ramen the most, especially Ichiran's partitioned booths, noting that sitting "across from each other with a partition" best maintains a sense of distance while still allowing them to share a meal. This reply elicited laughter from the audience and indirectly showcased that he maintains a certain sense of distance and politeness when interacting with cross-strait and cross-strait city leaders. Although said in jest, it also conveyed that the relationship between the Taipei mayor and his electoral rival remains one of political competition rather than personal grievance.

Shen Po-yang's Tokyo itinerary is closely linked to his personal background. Having studied in Japan in his early years, he has a certain understanding of Japan's urban planning and public services, and consequently possesses a degree of recognition within the overseas Taiwanese community. Taking "learning from experience" in Japan as his theme this trip, he essentially used Japan's successful cases in smart cities, green transportation, and elderly welfare as references for Taipei's future development. In recent years, the DPP has emphasized "smart cities" and "sustainable development" in Taipei's municipal administration, and Legislator Shen's explanation concretizes Japan's practical experience, providing voters with a tangible policy blueprint.

From a broader perspective, Taiwan-Japan relations have continued to warm up in recent years, with bilateral cooperation growing increasingly close in the economic, technological, and security fields. As Taiwan's capital, if Taipei City can learn from Japan in urban governance, it will not only enhance the quality of life for its citizens, but also showcase Taiwan's open and innovative image internationally. Shen Po-yang's interaction with youths in Tokyo this time also served to convey messages of Taiwan's democracy and diversity to Japanese society, hoping to deepen the emotional connection between the peoples of the two countries through cultural and policy exchanges.

On the political front, the 2024 Taipei mayoral election has entered a white-hot phase. The candidates from the two major parties, the DPP and the Kuomintang, are Shen Po-yang and Chiang Wan-an, respectively, with both sides holding distinct propositions on issues such as urban governance, public infrastructure, and social welfare. By holding explanatory meetings overseas, Legislator Shen aims to expand his campaign map and secure support and goodwill for Taipei's future from Taiwanese in Japan and Japanese youths. This move may also have an indirect impact on voters' ballot behavior, as elections are not only domestic competitions, but also contests of international image.

In summary, Shen Po-yang's youth forum in Tokyo is not merely a straightforward campaign event, but also a cross-border exchange on urban governance and political image shaping. By sharing Japan's successful cases and narrowing the distance with the younger generation through relaxed interactions, he demonstrated the DPP's vision for Taipei City.