Japanese lawmakers visit Taiwan for National Day celebrations

Taipei, Oct. 9 (CNA) A Japanese parliamentary delegation led by lawmaker Keiji Furuya began a two-day visit to Taiwan on Friday, as more than 200 foreign guests prepared to take part in the country's 2026 National Day celebrations.

The delegation comprises 27 lawmakers and seven staff members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement.

Other delegations visiting for the celebrations include those led by King Mswati III of Eswatini and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith of the U.S. state of Indiana.

Mswati, whose country is Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, arrived early Friday.

A total of 228 foreign guests are expected at Saturday evening's National Day reception at Taipei Guest House, based on figures compiled as of Wednesday, MOFA said.

The total includes 156 members of visiting delegations and 72 foreign officials posted to Taiwan and their spouses, it said.

More than 4,000 Taiwanese living abroad in 51 countries are also expected to return to Taiwan for the celebrations, including 85 from Central and South America and 49 from Africa, according to the Overseas Community Affairs Council.

Saturday will be the 115th National Day of the Republic of China, which is Taiwan's official name.

The formal ceremony outside the Presidential Office will begin at 10 a.m. and include President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) National Day address.

The program includes military flyovers, a helicopter rescue demonstration and a parade featuring more than 2,500 volunteers trained in disaster preparedness.

The Air Force's Thunder Tiger aerobatics team is scheduled to close the ceremony with five Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers trailing colored smoke.

A National Day fireworks display will be held that evening near the International Landmark in Taitung City.